itty-bitty

adjective

it·​ty-bit·​ty ˈi-tē-ˈbi-tē How to pronounce itty-bitty (audio)
variants or itsy-bitsy
Synonyms of itty-bittynext
: extremely small : tiny

Examples of itty-bitty in a Sentence

maddening swarms of itty-bitty insects flew around our faces
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In its place are itty-bitty bands that still keep your flats or heels in place, just with less of a chance of awkward tan lines. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 1 July 2026 On Friday, Charli XCX had a head-turning streetwear moment in an itty-bitty black minidress and hot-pink crocodile heels. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 27 June 2026 By the time my gaze shifted two centimeters up to check the itty-bitty clock on my screen, a full 65 minutes had passed. Jill Duffy, Wired News, 18 June 2026 Providing you can offer plenty of sunshine, consistent moisture, and protection from the cold, these itty-bitty plants can produce a reliable crop of sweet and juicy fruit and thrive in containers for many years. Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for itty-bitty

Word History

Etymology

probably from baby talk for little bit

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of itty-bitty was in 1938

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Itty-bitty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/itty-bitty. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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