gnat

noun

: any of various small usually biting dipteran flies
gnatty adjective

Examples of gnat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Davoren Center is also where the infestation of roaches, flies, gnats and mice has persisted through two consecutive reporting periods — roughly the six months ending in December, the monitor found. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 29 Feb. 2024 Differentiating between fruit flies and gnats can be challenging due to their similar appearance and behavior. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 23 May 2024 No one can believe it, not me, not Jax, not the needles on the pine trees of Big Bear, not the gnats cavorting in the lake, not the pontoon boats or the bait shops, not Scheana’s ex, Rob, or his giant television. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 14 May 2024 Tarrant County health inspectors found flies and gnats at multiple restaurants, a kitchen worker who failed to sanitize surfaces and a bakery with boxes of food that expired more than two years ago. Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for gnat 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gnat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English gnætt; akin to Old English gnagan to gnaw

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gnat was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near gnat

Cite this Entry

“Gnat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gnat. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

gnat

noun
: any of various small usually biting two-winged flies

Medical Definition

gnat

noun
: any of various small usually biting dipteran flies (as a midge or blackfly)

More from Merriam-Webster on gnat

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