Definition of "bit" in English

noun

1. A piece of metal placed in a horse's mouth and connected to the reins to direct the animal.

   • A horse hates having a bit put in its mouth.

2. A rotary cutting tool, fitted to a drill, brace, or router, used to bore or drill holes or to remove material from the profile of the workpiece.

   • router bit
   • chamfering bit

3. Applied to a various small units of currency and coins.

4. A small amount of something.

   • There were bits of paper all over the floor.
   • Does your leg still hurt? —Just a bit now.
   • I've done my bit; I expect you to do yours.

5. (informal) Specifically, a small amount of time.

   • I'll be there in a bit; I need to take care of something first.
   • He was here just a bit ago, but it looks like he's stepped out.

6. (informal) A small fraction above a whole number.

   • The movie lasted for two and a bit hours.

7. (in the plural, informal, sports) Fractions of a second.

   • The 400 metres race was won in 47 seconds and bits.

8. A portion of something.

   • I'd like a big bit of cake, please.

9. Somewhat; something, but not very great; also used like jot and whit to express the smallest degree. See also a bit.

   • Am I bored? Not a bit of it!

10. A replaceable tip for a hand tool or power tool, comprising the portion that drives a fastener.

    • Near-synonym: driver
    • driver bit

11. (slang) A prison sentence, especially a short one.

12. An excerpt of material making up part of a show, comedy routine, etc.

    • His bit about video games was not nearly as entertaining as the other segments of his show.

13. (slang) A gag or put-on; a humorous conceit, especially when insistently presented as true.

    • Are you serious, or is this a bit?

14. Ellipsis of bit part.

    • She acted her bit in the opening scene.

15. The part of a key which enters the lock and acts upon the bolt and tumblers.

16. The cutting iron of a plane.

17. The bevelled front edge of an axehead along which the cutting edge runs.

18. (BDSM) A gag of a style similar to a bridle.

19. (MLE) A gun.