sting

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈstɪŋ/

• Audio (US)

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Noun

Singular sting

Plural stings

A wasp sting

1. A sting is a pointed item at the rear of an insect, for defence.

   That wasp has a sting!

2. A sting can also mean a bite by an insect.

   I got a sting on my arm.

3. (by extension) A sting is a bump on the skin, the result of being stung.

   I will show you where I was stung.

4. (law enforcement) A sting is a police operation where they pretend to be criminals in order to catch a criminal.

Verb

Plain form sting

Third-person singular stings

Past tense stang

Past participle stung

Present participle stinging

Plain form sting

Third-person singular stings

Past tense stung

Past participle stung

Present participle stinging

1. To sting means to inject venom with a stinger.

   That bee stung me.

2. (by extension) to sting means to hurt or bite.

   I banged my hand: it really stung.

3. To swindle or con. (metaphor)

   I got stung for a lot of money.