bit

Definitions

1. noun

   A small piece or amount of something.

   Examples

   • There were bits of paper on the floor.
   • Does your leg still hurt? Just a bit now.
   ≈morsel≈piece≈scrap≈ace≈atom +79 more
2. noun

   A short time, as in a bit.

   Examples

   • I will be there in a bit.
   • He was here just a bit ago.
   ≈instant≈jiffy≈tick≈bat of an eye≈bit +56 more
3. noun

   The tip of a tool that cuts or drills holes.

   Examples

   • I need a new drill bit for this wood.
   • He changed the router bit before cutting.
4. noun

   The metal part in a horse's mouth that helps the rider steer.

   Examples

   • A horse may dislike having a bit in its mouth.
   • The trainer adjusted the bit before the ride.
   ≈kimberwicke≈pelham≈snaffle
5. noun

   A coin of a certain value.

   Examples

   • He took a threepenny bit from his pocket.
   • She found a sixpenny bit under the sofa.
   ≈coin≈piece
6. noun

   An old coin worth one eighth of a dollar.

   Examples

   • A quarter is two bits.
   • He paid four bits to carry the bags.
   ≈coin≈piece
7. noun

   In old use, a coin like the ten-cent piece.

   Examples

   • The smallest coin was a dime, called a bit.
   • Two bits was the local word for a quarter.
   ≈coin≈piece
8. noun

   An old coin of the British West Indies.

   Examples

   • I sold the glass for a bit in Montserrat.
   • He paid the boatman a bit to cross.
   ≈coin≈piece
9. noun

   An old coin of the Dutch West Indies worth a fraction of a cent.

   Examples

   • The old book listed prices in bits.
   • A bit was one of the smallest coins then.
   ≈coin≈piece
10. noun

    A tiny unit of the digital money bitcoin.

    Examples

    • He sent her a few bits as a small tip online.
    • The fee was less than a single bit.
    ≈coin≈piece≈microbitcoin