gnat

noun

: any of various small usually biting dipteran flies
gnatty adjective

Examples of gnat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The inspector saw several gnats throughout the kitchen and bar. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2025 The plug-in device traps fruit flies, gnats, house flies and more. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025 Flies and gnats could visit in our open school rooms. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2025 Any accumulation of decaying, organic material raises your risk of attracting fungal gnats, said Wang. Cathy Nelson, Health, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for gnat

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

Cite this Entry

“Gnat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gnat. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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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