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

Capable of causing a sharp pain, or itself sharply painful.

"She felt a stinging sensation after touching the nettle."

Harshly critical and hurtful.

"The critic wrote a stinging review of the new restaurant."

How to use stinging

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSharp and painful, physically or in the form of harsh criticism.

Common pairings

stinging criticism stinging pain stinging rebuke

Word forms

more stinging comparative, stingings plural, most stinging superlative

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She felt a _____ sensation after touching the nettle.

Etymology

From Middle English styngyng; equivalent to sting + -ing.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for stinging

singing ringing winging pinging swinging bringing clinging wringing flinging springing stringing upbringing

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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.