Meanings
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1
noun
a sharp organ used by an insect, scorpion, stingray, or other animal to wound or inject venom
The bee left its stinger in the skin.
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2
noun
a person, animal, or thing capable of delivering a sting or causing sudden harm
The allegory divides the idle class into harmless drones and dangerous stingers.
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3
noun
a cutting remark or other detail that causes sudden emotional pain or an unpleasant surprise
Her final sentence was the stinger, exposing the hypocrisy behind his apology.
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4
noun
a cocktail made with brandy and creme de menthe
He ordered a stinger as an after-dinner drink.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from sting + the agent or instrument suffix -er: literally, something or someone that stings. Both bodily and figurative uses are old; specialized senses such as the cocktail preserve the idea of a sharp effect.