anting

noun

ant·​ing ˈan-tiŋ How to pronounce anting (audio)
: bird behavior in which ants are rubbed on the feathers to obtain chemicals (such as formic acid) from the ants

Examples of anting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Leahy discusses air conditioning (do birds sweat?), altitude, anting and apocalypse. Jim Williams, Star Tribune, 27 July 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anting was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near anting

Cite this Entry

“Anting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anting. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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