midge

noun

ˈmij 

: a tiny dipteran fly (such as a chironomid)

Examples of midge 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

The mare, named Valentine, had to be fitted with the mask to protect her from the blood-sucking midges (flies) that have reached plague status along the coast this season. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026

Department of Natural Resources EHD typically affects deer in late summer and early fall, but the first frost kills the midge population and stops disease transmission, according to the DNR. — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026

The chemical prevents mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges from biting. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English migge, from Old English mycg; akin to Old High German mucka midge, Greek myia fly, Latin musca

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing midge

• biting midge
• gall midge

Rhymes for midge

• bridge
• fridge
• ridge
• abridge
• drawbridge
• footbridge
• oxbridge

Kids Definition

midge

noun

ˈmij 

: a very small fly : gnat

Medical Definition

midge

noun

ˈmij 

: any of numerous tiny dipteran flies (especially families Ceratopogonidae, Cecidomyiidae, and Chironomidae) many of which are capable of giving painful bites and some of which are vectors or intermediate hosts of parasites of humans and various other vertebrates see biting midge