gnat

1 of 2

noun

ˈnat How to pronounce gnat (audio)
: any of various small usually biting dipteran flies
gnatty
ˈna-tē How to pronounce gnat (audio)
adjective

gnatty

2 of 2

adjective

gnat·​ty ˈnatē How to pronounce gnatty (audio)
-er/-est
: infested with gnats

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.
Noun
Alluding to the attack only in the title, Anedda notes a few events showing the effects, patterns and tasks of an illustrator, the men seeking martyrdom, as well as the earthworms, gnats and the snail working the soil. — Wallis Wilde-Menozzi, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 Inspectors observed live roach activity, gnats inside the establishment and food residue on equipment and kitchen walls. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2026 Position these traps near your plants to catch adult gnats and reduce egg laying. — Leah Chester-Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026 This is especially helpful in gnat-prone areas, Carpenter says. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gnat

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English gnætt; akin to Old English gnagan to gnaw

Adjective

gnat + -y

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gnat was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing gnat

Rhymes for gnat

See All Rhymes for gnat

Browse Nearby Words

gnash one's teeth
gnat
gnatcatcher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gnat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gnat. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gnat

noun
ˈnat How to pronounce gnat (audio)
: any of various small usually biting two-winged flies

Medical Definition

gnat

noun
ˈnat How to pronounce gnat (audio)
: any of various small usually biting dipteran flies (as a midge or blackfly)

More from Merriam-Webster on gnat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gnat

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