Definition

1. Verb:
   • To argue about petty or trivial matters; to engage in a minor, often persistent, quarrel.
   • To make a rapid, repeated, light pattering or clattering sound.

Usage

• The verb bicker is used to describe a specific type of argument. It implies that the disagreement is unimportant, often continuing in a repetitive or nagging manner. It is typically used for arguments between people who know each other well (e.g., family members, close friends, colleagues).
• When describing a sound, bicker is a more literary or poetic term for a light, repeated noise, like that of flowing water or rain.

Examples

• Verb (argue):
  • The siblings would often bicker over who got to sit in the front seat of the car.
  • The committee members spent the meeting bickering about the font size in the report instead of discussing the budget.
• Verb (sound):
  • The stream bickered over the smooth stones. (Literary usage)
  • Rain bickered against the windowpane all night.

Advanced Usage

• "to bicker back and forth": to argue in a continuous, alternating manner.
  • The two politicians bickered back and forth during the entire debate without addressing the core issue.
• The noun form "bickering" is more common than the noun "bicker" to describe the act or instance of petty arguing.
  • The constant bickering in the office created a tense atmosphere.

Variants and Related Words

• Bickering (n): The act of arguing about trivial things.
  • Their endless bickering was exhausting.
• Bickerer (n): A person who often engages in petty arguments. (Less common)

Synonyms

• Squabble: To argue noisily over something trivial.
• Quarrel: A more general term for an angry argument.
• Wrangle: To argue, often angrily and at length.
• Spat: A brief, petty quarrel.
• Tiff: A slight or petty quarrel.

Antonyms

• Agree: To have the same opinion.
• Concur: To agree or be of the same mind.
• Harmonize: To be in agreement or concord.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "bicker like an old married couple": To argue frequently about small things, often in a way that suggests familiarity and a long-standing relationship.
  • Those two roommates bicker like an old married couple about whose turn it is to take out the trash.

Noun

1. a quarrel about petty points

Verb

1. argue over petty things
   • Let's not quibble over pennies