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

Health inspectors reported an abundance of gnats flying around the dry-storage and food-equipment closet areas. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026

While the lights themselves aren’t drawing in spiders, the moths, gnats, mosquitoes, and mayflies bobbing around the lights do. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

From gnats in the kitchen to moldy produce, check out the latest restaurant inspections across the metro. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Yard gnat infestations typically increase in the spring and summer due to warmer weather and drying water sources. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 12 June 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)