Bites: meaning, definitions and examples

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bites

[baɪts ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal behavior

A bite is a wound inflicted when an animal uses its teeth to pierce the skin of another animal or human.

Synonyms

chomp, gnaw, nibble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bites	Similar to 'bites', this word can refer to a small portion of food taken with teeth. She took small bites of her sandwich while reading the book
nibble	A small, gentle, and often hesitant bite, frequently used when talking about eating lightly or taking small bites of food. She nibbled on a piece of cheese while mingling at the party The rabbit nibbled on a leaf
chomp	A loud and enthusiastic biting, often used when describing someone eating with relish or enthusiasm. He chomped on his burger with great gusto The horse chomped on the fresh carrots
gnaw	Refers to the act of biting something persistently, often used for describing animals or people with nervous habits. The beaver gnawed on the tree trunk He gnawed on his fingers while working on the difficult problem

Examples of usage

The dog left a deep bite on the man's arm.
The snake's bite injected venom into the victim.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

food

A bite refers to a small portion of food that can be eaten in one mouthful.

Synonyms

morsel, mouthful, taste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bites	Primarily used in plural form when referring to multiple small amounts of food taken in bites. Can also refer to individual pieces of small food items. The appetizer tray had various cheese bites. He took several bites of his burger.
mouthful	Used to describe an amount of food that fills the mouth or an action of taking that amount into the mouth. He took a big mouthful of water. After a mouthful of the pie, she was satisfied.
morsel	Used to refer to a small amount or piece of food, typically suggesting something tasty or delicate. She savored every morsel of the dessert. Not a morsel was left on the plate.
taste	Used when referring to sampling a small amount of food to experience its flavor. It can also imply limited consumption without full servings. Would you like a taste of the soup? She gave him a taste of her homemade cookies.

Examples of usage

She took a bite of the delicious chocolate cake.
He savored every bite of the juicy burger.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

insect behavior

To bite is the action of an insect using its mandibles to cut, pierce, or grip something.

Synonyms

chew, gnaw, nibble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bites	Used when describing the act of taking a small amount of food with your teeth or when an animal uses its teeth aggressively. She bites into the apple with a loud crunch The dog bites the intruder
nibble	Used when taking small, light bites often delicately or carefully. He nibbles on a piece of cheese during the meeting The mouse nibbles at the breadcrumbs
chew	Used when talking about the act of grinding food with teeth before swallowing. Make sure to chew your food thoroughly before swallowing The baby likes to chew on toys
gnaw	Used when referring to persistent biting or nibbling, often associated with animals or when someone is continuously worrying about something. The puppy loves to gnaw on its bone Anxiety started to gnaw at her mind

Examples of usage

The mosquito will bite if you don't use insect repellent.
The ant bit into the fruit to carry it to the nest.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'bite' comes from the Old English 'bītan,' which means to cut into or eat.
In different languages, the word for 'bite' often relates closely to words for 'tooth' or 'chomp,' illustrating the act of eating.

Science

Human jaws are designed to make biting and chewing effective, with 32 teeth working together to break down food.
Some animals, like wolves, have particularly strong bites that allow them to hunt and consume larger prey.

Health

Taking small bites can help with digestion, as it allows the body to process food more easily.
Mindful eating, which includes taking smaller bites, can also help improve satisfaction and prevent overeating.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, sharing food often begins with inviting someone to take a 'bite' of a meal, signifying friendship and hospitality.
The phrase 'bite-sized' is used to describe information or food portions that are easy to manage or understand.

Pop Culture

In children's literature, characters often take bites of magical foods that have special properties, like the 'Shrinking Cake' in Alice in Wonderland.
The popular television show 'Bites' humorously explores culinary adventures, where flavors and plates tell their own stories.

Translations

Translations of the word "bites" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mordidas

🇮🇳 काटता है

🇩🇪 Bisse

🇮🇩 gigitan

🇺🇦 укуси

🇵🇱 ugryzienia

🇯🇵 噛み傷

🇫🇷 morsures

🇪🇸 mordeduras

🇹🇷 ısırıklar

🇰🇷 물림

🇸🇦 لدغات

🇨🇿 kousnutí

🇸🇰 uhryznutia

🇨🇳 咬伤

🇸🇮 ugrizi

🇮🇸 bit

🇰🇿 тістегендер

🇬🇪 კბენები

🇦🇿 dişləmələr

🇲🇽 mordeduras

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,094, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13091 fissure
13092 attenuated
13093 notary
13094 bites
13095 enmity
13096 authentication
13097 magnetization
...