Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ankle-biter

noun
/ˈæŋ.kəlˌbaɪ.tər/
Definition
A playful or affectionate term used to refer to a small child or a small dog.
Examples
  • My little nephew is such an ankle-biter; he loves to run around and play games.
  • We have an adorable ankle-biter at home who always wants to be cuddled.
Meaning
Typically used in informal contexts, the term ‘ankle-biter’ suggests a small creature that might nip at the ankles of adults, often used light-heartedly to describe children’s behavior or small pets.
Synonyms
  • little one
  • toddler
  • pooch