The answer to “___-bitty” in the NYT Crossword is ITTY — the 4-letter word that completes the playful phrase “itty-bitty,” meaning tiny.
Why ITTY?
“Itty-bitty” is a rhyming reduplication — a phrase where a word is repeated with a small sound change for emphasis, like “teeny-tiny” or “super-duper.” The clue gives you the second half (“bitty”) and asks for the first: ITTY. It’s pure crosswordese — a word that exists in puzzles far more often than in real conversation.
This clue appears regularly, including in the NYT Mini on September 19, 2026 (10-Across) and the full NYT puzzle on April 6, 2025. Short, vowel-heavy fill like ITTY is constructor gold, so it keeps coming back.
ITTY’s Other Crossword Disguises
Because it’s so useful in grids, ITTY appears under several clues:
- “___-bitty” → ITTY
- “Wee, informally” → ITTY (Nov 18, 2024)
- “Small word” → ITTY
If the clue means “tiny” and you need 4 letters, ITTY should be near the top of your guesses — right alongside LIL and EENY (as in “eeny, meeny”).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the answer to “___-bitty” in the NYT Crossword?
ITTY (4 letters).
What does “itty-bitty” mean?
It means very small or tiny — a playful, informal rhyming phrase.
When did “___-bitty” last appear in the NYT?
September 19, 2026 (NYT Mini) and April 6, 2025 (full puzzle).
What are similar tiny-meaning crossword answers?
LIL, EENY, and WEE all clue the same idea depending on letter count.
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