bit
gb/bˈɪt/ us/bˈɪt/
A2
English
~ 400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
quantity
1
a small amount
A small amount of something.
Usage pattern:
a bit of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'a bit' with 'a bite', which refers to eating.
Synonyms
small amount (More formal and literal than 'bit'.)
Antonyms
a lot (Indicates a large amount instead of a small one.)
Collocations
a bit of time
|a little bit
|quite a bit
|just a bit
|bit more
Themes
daily life
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- I need a bit of sugar for my coffee.
- She felt a bit tired after the long day.
- Can you give me a bit more information?
- It’s just a bit too expensive for me.
- They waited a bit before starting the meeting.
Learner examples
- I have a bit of milk in my tea.
- He is a bit hungry.
- We walked a bit in the park.
- She wants a bit of water.
- I waited a bit for the bus.
Noun
B1
entity
2
binary digit in computing
The smallest piece of computer data, shown as 0 or 1.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'bit' with 'byte', which is larger.
Synonyms
binary digit (Full form of the abbreviation 'bit'.)
Collocations
8-bit
|32-bit processor
|bit rate
|bit error
Themes
technology
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- A byte is made up of eight bits.
- The file is 256 bits long.
- This program uses 64-bit encryption.
- Bits are combined to store larger amounts of information.
- Transmission errors can change bits from 0 to 1.
Learner examples
- A bit is the smallest data unit in a computer.
- One byte has eight bits.
- The number 1 or 0 is a bit.
- Computers use bits to store data.
- The photo file has many bits.
Noun
B2
entity
3
metal mouthpiece for horse control
A piece of metal in a horse's mouth used to guide it.
Synonyms
mouthpiece (In this context, refers specifically to horse equipment.)
Collocations
snaffle bit
|curb bit
|bit and bridle
Themes
animals
|sports
|transportation
Examples
- The rider adjusted the bit before mounting the horse.
- A snaffle bit is gentler than other types.
- The horse chewed on the bit nervously.
- He replaced the old bit with a new stainless steel one.
- The trainer recommended a different type of bit for better control.
Learner examples
- The horse has a bit in its mouth.
- The rider pulls the reins connected to the bit.
- A snaffle bit is soft for the horse.
- The bit helps guide the horse.
- The metal bit is part of the bridle.
Noun
informal
B2
entity
4
short act or routine
A short act or joke in a show.
Synonyms
skit (Usually refers to a scripted short performance.)
Collocations
comedy bit
|do a bit
|funny bit
Themes
entertainment
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- He did a hilarious bit about airline food.
- The best part of the show was her magic bit.
- That comedy bit went viral online.
- They rehearsed the new bit before going on stage.
- His stand-up routine included several new bits.
Learner examples
- The actor did a funny bit on stage.
- She told a short joke as part of her bit.
- The comedy show had many bits.
- He wrote a new bit for his act.
- That was my favorite bit in the movie.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
5
cutting part of a drill or tool
The part of a drill that makes holes.
Synonyms
drill head (Less common; refers specifically to the functional end of the drill.)
Collocations
drill bit
|masonry bit
|change the bit
Themes
technology
|construction
|work
|daily_life
Examples
- He replaced the drill bit before starting work.
- Use a masonry bit for concrete walls.
- The carpenter sharpened the bit for smoother cuts.
- This set includes bits of different sizes.
- Always secure the bit tightly before drilling.
Learner examples
- The drill needs a new bit.
- This bit is for wood.
- I put the bit into the drill.
- He changed the drill bit quickly.
- The metal bit makes holes fast.
Grammar
Dictionary form
bit
IPA
GB/bˈɪt/
US/bˈɪt/
Syllables & stress
bit (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (bit)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: bit
- Plural: bits
Word family
Forms
bits
noun
Core family
bite
verb A2
Related words
bitty
adjective
Advanced or less common
tidbit
noun
Expressions
a bit much
1/ə bˈɪt mˈʌt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
informal
slightly too much or extreme
More than is fair, reasonable, or comfortable.
Examples
- Asking me to work all weekend is a bit much.
- I think shouting at him was a bit much.
a fair bit
1/ə fˈɛɹ bˈɪt/
fixed phrase
informal
a moderately large amount
Quite a lot, but not too much.
Examples
- We’ve done a fair bit of work today.
- He travels a fair bit for his job.
bit by bit
1/bˈɪt bˈaɪ bˈɪt/
fixed phrase
gradually, in small steps
Slowly and in small amounts at a time.
Examples
- Bit by bit, he improved his English.
- They fixed the house bit by bit.
do one's bit
1/dˈu wˈʌnz bˈɪt/
idiom
make one's contribution to something
To do your part to help with something.
Examples
- Everyone needs to do their bit to save energy.
- She always does her bit for charity.
every bit as
1/ˈɛvɹi bˈɪt ˈæz/
fixed phrase
equally, to the same extent
Completely equal in amount or degree compared to something else.
Examples
- She is every bit as talented as her brother.
- This cake is every bit as good as yours.