Definition of mildew
1a : a superficial usually whitish growth produced especially on organic matter or living plants by fungi (as of the families Erysiphaceae and Peronosporaceae)b : a fungus producing mildew
2 : a discoloration caused by fungi
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Examples of mildew in a Sentence
The basement's damp walls were covered with mildew.
Recent Examples of mildew from the Web
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In August 2016, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Office of the Inspector General found infestation, damaged doors and stairs, mold and mildew buildup and health and safety threats related to electrical hazards.
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Hybrid introductions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture over the past 40 years have aimed at finding mildew resistance.
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The space, frigid on a warm evening, smelled of mildew.
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The most prevalent is powdery mildew, and vines must be sprayed every 10 to 14 days in this time period to keep it under control.
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A quick blast of water with your hose also takes care of aphids, rose slugs and powdery mildew spores.
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Concerned South Louisiana residents will begin checking their body parts for mildew.
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Then, inspectors said there was no chlorine in the water, algae and mildew were growing on pool walls and the operator had not been keeping up with daily logs that show routine chemical and main drain checks.
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Root constriction caused by hardpan or compacted soil, sunburn, borer insects, soil nematodes, root rot, powdery mildew and spider mites might also be affecting the tree.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mildew.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of mildew
Middle English, from Old English meledēaw honeydew; akin to Old High German militou honeydew
mildew
Definition of mildew
transitive verb
: to affect with or as if with mildew
intransitive verb
: to become affected with mildew
First Known Use of mildew
1552
MILDEW Defined for English Language Learners
mildew
playDefinition of mildew for English Language Learners
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: a usually white substance that grows on the surface of things in wet, warm conditions
MILDEW Defined for Kids
Definition of mildew for Students
1 : a thin whitish growth produced by a fungus especially on decaying material or on living plants
2 : a fungus producing mildew
Definition of mildew for Students
mildewed
;mildewing
: to become affected with mildew
Medical Dictionary
mildew
playMedical Definition of mildew
1: a superficial usually whitish growth produced especially on organic matter or living plants by fungi (as of the families Erysiphaceae and Peronosporaceae)
2: a fungus producing mildew
Learn More about mildew
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See words that rhyme with mildew Spanish Central: Translation of mildew Nglish: Translation of mildew for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mildew
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