bit
noun
bɪt 
bɪt small amount
1 a bit [singular] (used as an adverb) (especially British English) ratherSynonym
a littleThese trousers are a bit tight.‘Are you tired?’ ‘Yes, I am a bit.’It costs a bit more than I wanted to spend.I can lend you fifty pounds, if you want. That should help a bit.2 a bit [singular] (especially British English) a short time or distanceWait a bit!Can you move up a bit?Greg thought for a bit before answering.3 [countable] bit of something (especially British English) a small amount or piece of somethingsome useful bits of informationWith a bit of luck, we'll be there by 12.I've got a bit of shopping to do.a bit of cakebits of grass/paperpart of something
4 [countable] (especially British English) a part of something largerThe best bit of the holiday was seeing the Grand Canyon.The school play was a huge success—the audience roared with laughter at all the funny bits.large amount
5 [singular] a bit (of something) (informal, especially British English) a large amount‘How much does he earn?’ ‘Quite a bit!’The new system will take a bit of getting used to (= it will take a long time to get used to).computing
6 [countable] the smallest unit of information used by a computerfor horse
7 [countable] a metal bar that is put in a horse's mouth so that the rider can control ittool
8 [countable] a tool or part of a tool for drilling (= making) holes see also drillmoney
9 [countable] (North American English, informal) an amount of money equal to 12½ centssexual organs
10 bits [plural] (British English, informal) a person's sexual organsIdioms
be in bits
(British English, informal) to be very sad or worriedInside I'm in bits because I miss him so much.I'm in bits about the problems I've had.She was in bits over her decision to quit.the (whole)… bit
(informal, disapproving) behaviour or ideas that are typical of a particular group, type of person or activityShe couldn't accept the whole drug-culture bit.bit by bit
a piece at a time; gradually
He assembled the model aircraft bit by bit.Bit by bit memories of the night came back to me.a bit much
(informal) not fair or not reasonableIt's a bit much calling me at three in the morning.The noise from next door is getting a bit much.a bit of a…
(informal, especially British English) used when talking about unpleasant or negative things or ideas, to mean ‘rather a…’We may have a bit of a problem on our hands.The rail strike is a bit of a pain.a bit of all right
(British English, slang) a person that you think is sexually attractiveDave's new girlfriend is a bit of all right, isn't she?a bit of rough
(British English, slang) a person of a low social class who has a sexual relationship with somebody of a higher classa bit on the side
(British English, slang) the boyfriend or girlfriend of somebody who is already married or in a steady sexual relationship with somebody elseIs he your bit on the side?bits and pieces/bobs
(British English, informal) small objects or items of various kindsShe stuffed all her bits and pieces into a bag and left.do your bit
(informal) to do your share of a taskWe can finish this job on time if everyone does their bit.every bit as good, bad, etc. (as somebody/something)
just as good, bad, etc; equally good, bad, etc
Rome is every bit as beautiful as Paris.He's every bit as clever as she is.get the bit between your teeth
(informal) to become very enthusiastic about something that you have started to do so that you are unlikely to stop until you have finishednot a bit
|not one (little) bit
not at all; not in any way
‘Are you cold?’ ‘Not a bit.’It's not a bit of use (= there's no point in) complaining.I don't like that idea one bit.not a bit of it!
(informal, British English) used for saying that something that you had expected to happen did not happenYou'd think she'd be tired after the journey but not a bit of it!to bits
1 into small piecesThe book fell to bits in my hands.She took the engine to bits, then carefully put it together again.2 (informal) very muchI love my kids to bits.She was thrilled to bits when I said I'd come.
Usage note: a bit / a littleIn British English it is common to use a bit to mean ‘slightly’ or ‘to a small extent’: These shoes are a bit tight. ◇ I’ll be a bit later home tomorrow. ◇ Can you turn the volume up a bit?It is more common in North American English to say a little, or (informal) a little bit. You can also use these phrases in British English: These shoes are a little bit too tight. ◇ I’ll be a little later home tomorrow. ◇ Can you turn the volume up a little bit?