alate

adjective

\ ˈā-ˌlāt

Definition of alate

(Entry 1 of 2)

: having wings or a winglike part

alate

noun

Definition of alate (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Examples of alate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The alates flying from their nests can travel up to 300 yards. — Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com, "A major Formosan termite swarm in Metairie on Monday night," 22 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.