midge

noun

ˈmij 

: a tiny dipteran fly (such as a chironomid)

Examples of midge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On a scale for itchiness, my Eichenprozessionsspinner rash would outrank all the mosquitoes, spiders, fleas, and midges that had ever bitten into my flesh. — Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026

Go in May to dodge midges and summer crowds. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

May is the best month — avoid June, July and August because of midges and crowds. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

To make the distinction, midges are often smaller and mayflies have a more upright wing posture, according to NexGreen. — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 28 May 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