Recent Examples on the WebThe 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
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