Definition of 'bicker'

Word Frequency

bicker

(bɪkəʳ )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense bickers , present participle bickering , past tense, past participle bickered

verb

When people bicker, they argue or quarrel about unimportant things.

I went into medicine to care for patients, not to waste time bickering over budgets. [V + over/about]

The two women bickered constantly. [plural-noun VERB]

...as states bicker over territory. [V + over/about]

He is still bickering with the control tower over admissible approach routes. [VERB + with]

Synonyms: quarrel, fight, argue, row [informal] More Synonyms of bicker

bickering uncountable noun

The election will end months of political bickering.

Word Frequency

bicker in British

(ˈbɪkə )

verb (intransitive)

to argue over petty matters; squabble

2. poetic

(esp of a stream) to run quickly

to flicker; glitter

noun

a petty squabble

Derived forms

bickerer (ˈbickerer)

noun

bickering (ˈbickering)

noun, adjective

Word origin of 'bicker'

C13: of unknown origin

Word Frequency

bicker in American

(ˈbɪkər ; bikˈər)

verb intransitive

to have a petty quarrel; squabble

to move with quick, rippling noises

a bickering brook

to flicker, twinkle, etc.

noun

a petty quarrel

a rippling or pattering sound

Derived forms

bickerer (ˈbickerer)

noun

Word origin of 'bicker'

ME bikeren, ? akin to Fris bikkern, hack, gnaw

Example sentences containing 'bicker'

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We bicker a lot and the years of me being on the road have taken their toll. The Sun (2011)They bicker a lot and then finally get married. The Sun (2011)They began to bicker about who liked animals more. Times, Sunday Times (2012)The three men are forced into the same house and bicker constantly. Times, Sunday Times (2013)They bicker and argue and undermine each other. Times, Sunday Times (2009)We are not at all alike, and bicker a lot. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Regulators are discredited, politicians are bickering and central banks are ineffective. Times, Sunday Times (2008)To bicker about where, when or why is to diminish their memory. Times, Sunday Times (2010)Then they would bicker about who won the non-existent trophy. Christianity Today (2000)The couple had been bickering non-stop about their cashflow problems. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Instead of tackling the underlying problems, couples can bicker about small issues. Times, Sunday Times (2008)The brothers bicker a lot. Times, Sunday Times (2010)What do you bicker about? Times, Sunday Times (2009)My husband and I bicker a lot. The Sun (2013)A family idea could make money for all of you if you play to your strengths instead of bickering about who is in charge. The Sun (2010)My daughter and husband bicker constantly - should I take his side and risk spoiling my relationship with her? Times, Sunday Times (2016)It's much easier to speak critically of each other's work because we have other emotional ties to keep us going when we bicker about song structure. The Sun (2013)A source said: 'They were constantly bickering towards the end so it comes as no surprise that they decided to call it a day. The Sun (2007)