noun
a small piece or amount of something
I only need a bit of sugar.
She tore off a bit of paper.
Common phrases & grammar
a bit of advice · a bit of information · a bit of money · a bit of luck
a bit of + noun
bits of + plural noun
American English
How to pronounce bit
noun · adverb · verbB1Very common word
BIHT
/bɪt̚/
One syllable.
a small piece or amount of something
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
noun
a short period of time
Let's rest for a bit.
I'll see you in a bit.
Common phrases & grammar
wait a bit · for a bit · in a bit
subject + verb + for a bit
subject + verb + in a bit
adverb
slightly; by a small amount
The water is a bit cold.
This route is a bit shorter.
Common phrases & grammar
a bit tired · a bit worried · a bit better · a bit different
subject + be + a bit + adjective
subject + be + a bit + comparative adjective
verb
the past form of bite, used when a person or animal closed its teeth on someone or something
The dog bit my hand.
A mosquito bit me last night.
Common phrases & grammar
subject + bit + object
Useful expressions
a small amount; slightly
The coffee is a little bit strong.
after a short time
I'll send the file in a bit.
gradually; little by little
She learned the song bit by bit.
Related words & forms
As a verb, bit is the past form of bite. After have, has, or had, use bitten, not bit.