gnat

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/næt/
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A common word for a very small flying insect, often a tiny fly or midge that appears in swarms or around damp organic matter.
Practice using gnat in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • A tiny gnat flew around the fruit bowl.
  • The porch light attracted a cloud of gnats.
  • A biting gnat left a small red bump on his arm.
  • She waved away a gnat near her face.
  • Fungus gnats often appear around overwatered houseplants.

Similar words

tiny fly
biting midge
small fly
no-see-um
midge
fungus gnat
black fly

Meanings

Tiny flying insect

noun
everyday
neutral
A very small flying insect, usually one of several kinds of small flies or midges, often seen in swarms or near plants, fruit, water, or damp soil.

Examples

  • A tiny gnat flew around the fruit bowl.
  • The porch light attracted a cloud of gnats.
  • She waved away a gnat near her face.
  • Fungus gnats often appear around overwatered houseplants.
  • A biting gnat left a small red bump on his arm.
  • The campers covered their food to keep the gnats away.
  • One gnat is small, but a swarm can be very annoying.

Similar words

midge
small fly
tiny fly
fungus gnat
biting midge
black fly
no-see-um

Etymology

From Old English gnætt, a small biting insect or gnat. The initial g became silent in modern pronunciation, leaving the word pronounced like nat.

FAQ

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.

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