adj
stinging
STIH-ngihng
Stinging (adj) means Capable of causing a sharp pain, or itself sharply painful. Example: “She felt a stinging sensation after touching the nettle.”
adj
1
Capable of causing a sharp pain, or itself sharply painful.
"She felt a stinging sensation after touching the nettle."
2
Harshly critical and hurtful.
"The critic wrote a stinging review of the new restaurant."
How to use stinging
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSharp and painful, physically or in the form of harsh criticism.
Common pairings
stinging criticism
stinging pain
stinging rebuke
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Word forms
- Plural
- stingings
- Comparative
- more stinging
- Superlative
- most stinging
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She felt a _____ sensation after touching the nettle.
Etymology
Comes from Middle English styngyng; equivalent to sting plus -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for stinging
singing
ringing
winging
pinging
swinging
bringing
clinging
wringing
flinging
springing
stringing
upbringing
See all rhymes for stinging →
Frequently asked questions
What does “stinging” mean?
The word “stinging” means capable of causing a sharp pain, or itself sharply painful. In plain terms, sharp and painful, physically or in the form of harsh criticism.
How do you pronounce “stinging”?
“Stinging” is pronounced STIH-ngihng (/ˈstɪŋɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stinging” in a sentence?
Here is “stinging” used in a sentence: “She felt a stinging sensation after touching the nettle.”
What part of speech is “stinging”?
“Stinging” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “stinging” have?
“Stinging” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: capable of causing a sharp pain, or itself sharply painful.
