First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1bitter
adjective bit·ter \ˈbi-tər\
: having a strong and often unpleasant flavor that is the opposite of sweet
: causing painful emotions : felt or experienced in a strong and unpleasant way
: angry and unhappy because of unfair treatment
Full Definition of BITTER
1
2
: marked by intensity or severity: a : accompanied by severe pain or suffering <a bitter death> b : being relentlessly determined : vehement <a bitter partisan> c : exhibiting intense animosity <bitter enemies> d (1) : harshly reproachful <bitter complaints> (2) : marked by cynicism and rancor <bitter contempt> e : intensely unpleasant especially in coldness or rawness <a bitter wind>
3
: expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret <bitter tears>
— bit·ter·ish \ˈbi-tə-rish\ adjective
— bit·ter·ly adverb
— bit·ter·ness noun
See bitter defined for English-language learners
See bitter defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BITTER
Middle English, from Old English biter; akin to Old High German bittar bitter, Old English bītan to bite — more at bite
Related to BITTER
- Synonyms
- acrid, acrimonious, embittered, hard, rancorous, resentful, sore
- Antonyms
- unbitter
2bitter
noun
bit*ters : a bitter alcoholic liquid that is used especially in mixed drinks
: a type of beer that has a slightly bitter flavor
Full Definition of BITTER
1
: bitter quality
2
a plural : a usually alcoholic solution of bitter and often aromatic plant products used especially in preparing mixed drinks or as a mild tonic b British : a very dry heavily hopped ale
See bitter defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BITTER
before 12th century
Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms
3bitter
verb
Definition of BITTER
transitive verb
: to make bitter <bittered ale>
First Known Use of BITTER
12th century
4bitter
adverb
Definition of BITTER
: to a bitter degree <it's bitter cold>
First Known Use of BITTER
1749
BITTERNESS Defined for Kids
bitter
adjective bit·ter \ˈbi-tər\
bit·ter·erbit·ter·est
Definition of BITTER for Kids
1
: sharp, biting, and unpleasant to the taste
2
: unhappy and angry because of unfair treatment <She was bitter toward her spoiled sister.>
3
: hard to put up with <a bitter disappointment>
4
: caused by anger, distress, or sorrow <bitter tears>
5
: very harsh or sharp : biting <a bitter wind>
— bit·ter·ly adverb <wept bitterly>
— bit·ter·ness noun
Medical Dictionary
bitter
adjective bit·ter \ˈbit-ər\
Medical Definition of BITTER
Learn More About BITTER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: bitter almondPrevious Word in the Dictionary: bitten–leaf diseaseAll Words Near: bitter
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up bitter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).