titbit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, sometimes slightly old-fashioned or quaint.
Quick answer
What does “titbit” mean?
A small, tasty piece of food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, tasty piece of food; a small, interesting or juicy piece of information.
An attractive but minor item of information, gossip, or food; something small but enjoyable or stimulating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is spelling. 'Titbit' is the standard spelling in British English, while 'tidbit' is standard in American English. Some British dictionaries note 'tidbit' as a less common variant.
Connotations
Slight difference: 'titbit' can be perceived as slightly more old-fashioned or quaint in BrE than 'tidbit' is in AmE. 'Titbit' in some modern British usage might be humorously self-conscious.
Frequency
More frequent in BrE (as 'titbit') than in AmE (as 'tidbit'), though both are common informal words.
Grammar
How to Use “titbit” in a Sentence
[Subject] shared a titbit about [object].[Subject] offered a titbit of [information/food].a titbit for [recipient].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informally used for minor, interesting market information or gossip: 'He gave us a titbit about the upcoming merger.'
Academic
Rare; might be used in historical or literary contexts to describe an anecdote: 'The biography includes several titbits about the author's early life.'
Everyday
Common for food (a small treat) or gossip: 'Save room for dessert, here's a titbit to start.' 'She loves a juicy titbit of celebrity news.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “titbit”
- Spelling: Using 'tidbit' in a formal British context or 'titbit' in an American one.
- Using it for something large or substantial (e.g., 'The book is a titbit' - incorrect for a full book).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are the same word with different regional spellings. 'Titbit' is British English, 'tidbit' is American English.
No, it is commonly used for both small pieces of tasty food and small pieces of interesting information or gossip.
No, it is informal. In formal writing, synonyms like 'morsel' (food) or 'snippet' (information) might be preferred.
It is typically neutral or positive, implying something enjoyable or interesting. However, it can be used ironically or for gossip that is 'juicy' but potentially unflattering.
A small, tasty piece of food.
Titbit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɪtbɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɪdˌbɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not the main course, just a titbit.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TINY BIT of something tasty or interesting. The 'tit' sounds like 'tiny tit' (small), and 'bit' is a piece.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION/INTEREST IS FOOD (e.g., juicy gossip, digest an idea, food for thought).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'titbit' LEAST appropriate?