gnat

noun

ˈnat 

: any of various small usually biting dipteran flies

gnatty

ˈna-tē 

adjective

Examples of gnat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The disease is spread through midges, which are gnat-like biting insects also known as no-see-ums, the center’s website says. — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Flies and gnats were also observed throughout the kitchen, and mold was seen on chicken inside the make table. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026

While the gnats may not pose a threat to people, one of the more annoying pests is increasing because of the wet conditions. — John Shumway, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

The Brooklyn Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 in five innings when the game was called because of gnats. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing gnat

• fungus gnat

Rhymes for gnat

• at
• bat
• batt
• brat
• cat
• chat
• fat
• flat
• gat
• hat
• kat
• mat

Kids Definition

gnat

noun

ˈnat 

: any of various small usually biting two-winged flies

Medical Definition

gnat

noun

ˈnat 

: any of various small usually biting dipteran flies (as a midge or blackfly)