Quick answer
Tidbit means a small and interesting piece of information, or a small tasty morsel. It is usually pronounced TID-bit, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Tidbit
Tidbit means a small and interesting piece of information, or a small tasty morsel. It belongs to tiny things and trifles and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
small-thingstriflesodd-objects
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, tidbit refers to a small and interesting piece of information, or a small tasty morsel. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Tidbit feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Tidbit is generally traced to english, with tid in older usage meaning tender or choice. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Tidbit is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- Here is a useful tidbit about how the building got its name.
- The guide sprinkled historical tidbits throughout the tour.
- A good newsletter often offers one memorable tidbit per section.
- The chef served a spicy tidbit before the main course.
When should you use this word?
Use tidbit when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
snippet, detail, morsel, nugget
Opposite or contrasting words
full account, long explanation
Common questions
- What does tidbit mean? A small and interesting piece of information, or a small tasty morsel.
- How do you pronounce tidbit? It is commonly pronounced TID-bit.
- Is tidbit still used today? Tidbit is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use tidbit? Use tidbit when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to tidbit? Similar words include snippet, detail, morsel, and nugget.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.