bitch
15 synonyms for bitch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A female dog.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A female dog.
“The vet checked the bitch carefully before her puppies were due to arrive.”
Etymology
Came into English as Middle English biche or bicche, from Old English biċċe, from Proto-West Germanic *bikkjā, from Proto-Germanic *bikjǭ (“female dog”) — compare Norwegian bikkje (“dog, bitch”) and Old Danish bikke (“bitch”) — from Proto-Germanic *bikjaną (“to thrust, attack”) — compare Old Norse bikkja (“to plunge in...
Full origin of bitch →Frequently asked questions
What does “bitch” mean?
The word “bitch” means a female dog. In plain terms, literally a female dog, but almost always used today as a strong insult toward a person, or as a verb meaning to complain.
How do you pronounce “bitch”?
“Bitch” is pronounced bihch (/bɪt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bitch” in a sentence?
Here is “bitch” used in a sentence: “The breeder kept the bitch and her puppies in a heated kennel.”
What is another word for “bitch”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bitch” include jerk, punk and gunsel.
What part of speech is “bitch”?
Depending on how it is used, “bitch” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “bitch” a common word?
“Bitch” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bitch” have?
“Bitch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a female dog.
Is 'bitch' a technical term for a female dog?
Yes. In veterinary medicine, dog breeding, and kennel-club registration, bitch is the correct and neutral term for a female dog. A bitch that has had puppies is called a 'dam', the counterpart to the 'sire'. In these settings the word carries no insult — it is simply precise terminology.
