To sting means to prick or wound with a sharp point, usually one that injects venom or poison. A bee stings by jabbing its stinger into your skin, leaving a painful, burning spot. Wasps, jellyfish, and scorpions also sting, each delivering their venom in different ways. The pain from a sting can range from a mild annoyance to something quite serious, depending on what stung you and whether you're allergic.

The word also describes any sharp, sudden pain that feels similar. Cold wind can sting your cheeks on a winter day. Getting soap in your eyes stings. When someone's harsh words hurt your feelings, you might say their criticism stings, because emotional pain can feel as sharp and sudden as a physical sting.

A sting can also mean an elaborate trick or trap, especially one set by police to catch criminals. In a sting operation, undercover officers might pretend to be criminals themselves to catch people breaking the law. The criminals think they're safe, but they've walked right into the trap. This meaning captures the surprise and sudden strike of an actual sting.