Definition of ant
: any of a family (Formicidae) of colonial hymenopterous insects with a complex social organization and various castes performing special duties
- Trending Now: More Trending:
- hogwash probity sequacious inadmissible oligarch, pejorative
- ALL
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Recent Examples of ant from the Web
-
Firefighters from Goffstown and Manchester responded at about 9 p.m. and were later assisted by divers from the Nashua Fire Department ant the State Police , the statement said.
-
In another, far darker continuity, Hank attacks Janet, who has shrunk to miniature size to escape his wrath, with RAID and a hoard of gigantic ants.
-
Unfortunately, none of the ants is seen jumping around with its jaws.
-
Quickly strip off shoes, socks and clothing near the ants and carefully reinspect them before putting them back on.
-
The armadillos were easy, but the ants required a bit of work.
-
It's been bright and sunny all day, so when the clouds opened up for a massive downpour, the crowd immediately dispersed among the field like ants looking for shelter.
-
In some instances, the ants blew themselves when the scientists got too close.
-
High atop Borneo's canopied jungles, the ants await any enemy daring enough to invade their colonies.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of ant
Middle English ante, emete, from Old English æmette; akin to Old High German āmeiza ant
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: before 12th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearDefinition of -ant
1 a
: one that performs (a specified action) : personal or impersonal agent
- claimant
- coolant
b
: thing that promotes (a specified action or process)
- expectorant
2
: one connected with
- annuitant
3
: thing acted upon (in a specified manner)
- inhalant
Definition of -ant
1
: performing (a specified action) or being (in a specified condition)
- somnambulant
2
: promoting (a specified action or process)
- expectorant
ANT Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of ant for English Language Learners
-
: a kind of small insect that lives in an organized social group
-ant
Definition of -ant for English Language Learners
-
: a person or thing that does a specified thing
-ant
Definition of -ant for English Language Learners
-
: doing a specified thing or behaving in a specified way
ANT Defined for Kids
noun
\
ˈant
\
Definition of ant for Students
: a small insect related to the bees and wasps that lives in colonies and forms nests in the ground or in wood in which it stores food and raises its young
Definition of -ant for Students
1
: one that does or causes a certain thing
- deodorant
2
: thing that is acted upon in a certain way
Definition of -ant for Students
1
: doing a certain thing or being a certain way
- observant
2
: causing a certain action
Learn More about ant
-
See words that rhyme with ant Spanish Central: Translation of ant Nglish: Translation of ant for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ant for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ant
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up ant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
