midst

noun

ˈmidst How to pronounce midst (audio)
ˈmitst
1
: the interior or central part or point : middle
in the midst of the forest
2
: a position of proximity to the members of a group
a traitor in our midst
3
: the condition of being surrounded or beset
in the midst of his troubles
4
: a period of time about the middle of a continuing act or condition
in the midst of a meal
midst preposition

Examples of midst in a Sentence

The river passes through the midst of the city. a bustling city in the midst of the desert We are in the midst of a terrible war. They were in the midst of remodeling their house. The region is currently in the midst of a terrible drought. We never gave up hope in the midst of our troubles.
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.
Earlier this month, Spears revealed that she was forced to evacuate her Hollywood home in the midst of the city’s ongoing wildfire crisis. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Jan. 2025 Those not able to cash in, however, see the program as one of two things: a genuine offer hamstrung by excessive red tape, or a half-hollow gesture meant to rack up free PR in the midst of a historic disaster. Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025 In 2019, Kennedy helped spread anti-vaccine sentiment in Samoa as the Pacific Island nation was in the midst of a deadly measles epidemic. Brian Bennett, TIME, 28 Jan. 2025 In the midst of that life-altering tragedy, Finn was able to offer some solace to the homeowner. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for midst 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English middest, alteration of middes, short for amiddes amid

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of midst was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near midst

Cite this Entry

“Midst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/midst. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

midst

1 of 2 noun
ˈmidst
1
: the middle part or period
in the midst of the forest
2
: a condition of being near or among the members of a group
a traitor in our midst
3
: the condition of being surrounded
in the midst of our troubles

midst

2 of 2 preposition
(ˌ)midst
: amid

More from Merriam-Webster on midst

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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