Use the word for ordinary descriptions of tiny flying insects. When bites, plant damage, disease, or pest control matters, identify the specific insect type instead of relying only on gnat.
Use the word for ordinary descriptions of tiny flying insects. When bites, plant damage, disease, or pest control matters, identify the specific insect type instead of relying only on gnat.
Gnat is pronounced with a silent g. The plural is gnats, and the word should not be treated as meaning a baby mosquito.
From Old English gnætt, a small biting insect or gnat. The initial g became silent in modern pronunciation, leaving the word pronounced like nat.
What is a gnat?
A gnat is a very small flying insect, usually a tiny fly or midge, often seen in swarms.
Is a gnat a mosquito?
No. A gnat is not necessarily a mosquito. It is a loose common name for several kinds of small fly-like insects.
Do gnats bite?
Some gnats or gnat-like midges bite, but many common gnats, such as fungus gnats, usually do not bite people.
What is the plural of gnat?
The plural is gnats.
How do you pronounce gnat?
Gnat is pronounced /næt/. The g is silent.
Why are gnats around houseplants?
Fungus gnats are attracted to moist soil and organic matter, especially in overwatered houseplants.
What are synonyms for gnat?
Related words include midge, small fly, tiny fly, fungus gnat, biting midge, black fly, and no-see-um.