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.
Videos of stadium workers capturing a possum in one fan section and spraying gnats on the field during the last few weeks haven’t helped the team’s image. Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026 The video was filmed at Sea and Sage Audubon in Southern California as a small swarm of gnats hovered near a tree. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 Food covers help protect food from flies and gnats in the great outdoors. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 19 May 2026 In fact, re-potting or not, Liang says regularly checking your plants for pests is a must, especially during colder months when spider mites and gnats are more common. Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 16 May 2026 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 29 May. 2026.

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)

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