- 1a bit [singular] (used as an adverb) rather, slightly synonym a little These pants are a little bit tight. “Do you want to lie down?” “Yes, I am a bit tired.” It costs a little bit more than I wanted to spend. I can lend you fifty dollars—that should help a bit.
- 2a bit [singular] a short time or distance Wait a bit! Can you move up a bit? Greg thought for a bit before answering.
- 3[countable] bit of something a small amount or piece of something some useful bits of information With a bit of luck, we'll be there by 12. I have a little bit of shopping to do. I just want a little bit of cake. bits of grass/paper large amount
- 4[singular] a bit (of something) (informal) a large amount The new system will take a bit of getting used to (= it will take a long time to get used to). computing
- 5[countable] the smallest unit of information used by a computer for horse
- 6[countable] a metal bar that is put in a horse's mouth so that the rider can control it tool
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7[countable] a tool or part of a tool for drilling (= making) holes see drill
- 8(informal) an amount of money equal to 12½ cents see bite Idioms
- 1into small pieces The car was blown to bits in the explosion. He smashed it to bits with a hammer.
- 2(informal) very much I love my kids to bits.
small amount
behavior or ideas that are typical of a particular group, type of person, or activity She found the whole motherhood bit difficult.
a piece at a time; gradually He assembled the model aircraft bit by bit. Bit by bit memories of the night came back to me.
not fair or not reasonable Isn't it a bit much, calling me at three in the morning? The noise from next door is getting to be a bit much.
used when talking about unpleasant or negative things or ideas, to make what you are saying sound less strong We may have a bit of a problem on our hands.
small objects or items of various kinds She stuffed all the bits and pieces into a bag and left.
impatient to do or start doing something Gerry's champing at the bit to go to college.
to do your share of a task We can finish this job on time if everyone does their bit.
just as good, bad, etc.; equally good, bad, etc. Rome is every bit as beautiful as Paris. He's every bit as smart as she is.
to become very enthusiastic about something that you have started to do so that you are unlikely to stop until you have finished
not at all; not in any way “Are you cold?” “Not a bit.” I don't like that idea one bit.
a fairly large amount or degree “How much does he earn?” “Quite a bit, I’m told.” He’s lost quite a bit of weight on this diet. She won the race by quite a bit. They’ve been spending quite a bit of time together lately. The trip was quite a bit longer than we expected.
Check pronunciation: bit