Bites: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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