Definition of ant
: any of a family (Formicidae) of colonial hymenopterous insects with a complex social organization and various castes performing special duties
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Recent Examples of ant from the Web
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The next morning, when Charlie's body is discovered by a screaming Annie, the film cuts to her head, in the middle of the road... collecting ants and flies in the sun.
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And much like an imposter, this beetle's body is exactly the same size, shape and color of the ants'.
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The first theme centers on superorganisms, animals such as ants and bees that act in cohesion as a single organism.
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Garlic deters rabbits as well as tree borers, aphids, cabbage looper, codling moths, Japanese beetles, snails, carrot root flies, ants and cabbage maggots.
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Termites, which recent research shows are more closely related to cockroaches than originally thought, developed this trait much earlier than insects like bees and ants.
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There are nebulae named after tarantulas and red spiders, ants and butterflies, and lobsters and prawns.
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Turns out ants are really bad at picking up on nestmates infected with this particular fungus.
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Three evolutionary scientists who guest-curated the show offered their perspectives on how evolution explains not just the characteristics of amoebas, ants and antelopes but also the uniquely human endeavor of art.
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
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: a kind of small insect that lives in an organized social group
-ant
Definition of -ant for English Language Learners
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: a person or thing that does a specified thing
-ant
Definition of -ant for English Language Learners
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: 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
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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
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