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alate

1 of 2

adjective

ˈā-ˌlāt How to pronounce alate (audio)
: having wings or a winglike part

alate

2 of 2

noun

: a winged insect (such as an ant or termite) of a kind having winged and wingless forms

Examples of alate in a Sentence

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Noun
The alates flying from their nests can travel up to 300 yards. — Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com, 22 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin alatus, from ala

First Known Use

Adjective

1661, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alate was in 1661

Rhymes for alate

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Browse Nearby Words

Ala Tau
alate
alation
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Cite this Entry

“Alate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alate. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alate

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