sting

/ˈstɪŋ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: stings · stinging · stung

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A bump left on the skin after having been stung.

Noun

Examples

Look at this nasty hornet sting: it's turned blue!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A puncture made by an insect or arachnid in an attack, usually including the injection of venom.

Noun

Examples

She died from a bee sting.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To hurt, usually by introducing poison or a sharp point, or both.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To puncture with the stinger.

Verb

Examples

A mosquito stung me on the arm.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “sting” mean?

A bump left on the skin after having been stung.

Is “sting” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.