sting
15 synonyms for sting, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sharp pain, or the puncture and injection of venom by an insect or animal.
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 sharp pain, or the puncture and injection of venom by an insect or animal.
“The bee sting on his arm swelled up quickly.”
How to use sting
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bee sting
sting operation
sting of defeat
Etymology
From Old English sting, related to a Germanic root shared with words describing a piercing thrust.
Full origin of sting →Frequently asked questions
What does “sting” mean?
The word “sting” means a sharp pain, or the puncture and injection of venom by an insect or animal. In plain terms, a sharp pain from a puncture (insect, insult), or a police trap operation.
How do you pronounce “sting”?
“Sting” is pronounced STIHNG (/ˈstɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sting” in a sentence?
Here is “sting” used in a sentence: “The bee sting on his arm swelled up quickly.”
What part of speech is “sting”?
Depending on how it is used, “sting” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “sting” come from?
The word “sting” comes from Old English. From Old English sting, related to a Germanic root shared with words describing a piercing thrust.
Is “sting” a common word?
“Sting” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sting” have?
“Sting” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp pain, or the puncture and injection of venom by an insect or animal.
What is the difference between a "sting" and a "bite"?
A sting typically involves an insect or animal injecting venom through a stinger, causing sharp pain, while a bite involves teeth or jaws puncturing or clamping down.
Can "sting" be used for emotional pain?
Yes, figuratively "sting" describes words or criticism that cause emotional hurt, echoing the sharp physical pain of the literal sense.
