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 lantern-style device features a blue-violet light to attract gnats, mosquitos, wasps, moths, and more, while the plastic surrounding and 4200V voltage traps and zaps them for good. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 July 2025 Add a layer of small gravel over the surface so gnats can’t reach the potting mix to eat the fungus that naturally develops in the mix, nor to lay their eggs. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025 Watch Goldberg kill a gnat live on the air in the video above. EW.com, 3 Oct. 2024 As its name suggests, skunk cabbage flowers give off a musky odor that attracts carrion-eating flies and gnats. Skylar Knight, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 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 29 Jul. 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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