mildew

noun

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mil·dew | \ ˈmil-ˌdü

, -ˌdyü \

Definition of mildew

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

mildew

verb

mildewed; mildewing; mildews

Definition of mildew (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to affect with or as if with mildew

intransitive verb

: to become affected with mildew

Other Words from mildew Example Sentences Phrases Containing mildew Learn More About mildew

Examples of mildew in a Sentence

Noun The basement's damp walls were covered with mildew.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Proper ventilation will keep humidity down and reduce the harmful side effects of excess moisture, like rust and mold or mildew. — Rena Behar, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2022 And/or using a preventative control product, which is again, going to attack any unwanted fungus mold or mildew that shouldn’t be on the plant. — Nicole Clausing, Sunset Magazine, 14 Apr. 2022 In the soil is what looks like white dusty mold or mildew or...? — oregonlive, 26 Mar. 2022 Besides the sewage issues, there was no door on the unit and mildew on the walls. — Elena Bruess, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Apr. 2022 The Folle Blanche grapes provide aromatics, the Baco is resistant to black rot and mildew, and Colombard—love it or hate it. — Tom Mullen, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2022 This one is made of diatomaceous earth, a natural rock that soaks up water instantly (mildew doesn't stand a chance!). — Petra Guglielmetti, Health.com, 11 Mar. 2022 Sharp also says to bleach any mildew because paint won't adhere properly to mildewed surfaces. — Alicia Chilton, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2021 Powdery mildew can affect many other plants including lilacs, phlox and beebalm. — Tim Johnson, chicagotribune.com, 2 Oct. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The Issue: Mildew If the grout is mildewed or badly stained, mix a 50/50 solution of oxygen bleach and water, and apply it with a sponge or pump-up sprayer. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 5 Dec. 2018 Residents have reported sagging porches, mildewing wood and leaky roofs. — Fox News, 30 Aug. 2018 Of course, that is a gift that expires, one that quickly mildews into a curse. — Richard Lawson, Vanities, 9 Oct. 2017 Of course, that is a gift that expires, one that quickly mildews into a curse. — Richard Lawson, vanityfair.com, 9 Oct. 2017 On a recent day, the inside walls of the home were mildewed and the clothes still in the closet were showing spots. — Mimi Whitefield, miamiherald, 5 Oct. 2017 The piles up and down this street, and along many other nearby streets — shards of wallboard and mildewing carpet, artificial flowers and computer monitors — stand taller than some people. — Alan Blinder, The Seattle Times, 6 Sep. 2017 The piles up and down this street, and along many other nearby streets — shards of wallboard and mildewing carpet, artificial flowers and computer monitors — stand taller than some people. — John Schwartz And Alan Blinder, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2017 For the past 20 years, my husband, Alex, and I—West Coast transplants and die-hard beach people—have spent a ridiculous amount of money to rent a mildewing summer house on the tip of Long Island. — Rebecca Misner, CNT, 20 July 2017 See More

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near mildew

milden

mildew

mildewcide

Statistics for mildew

Last Updated

14 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Mildew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mildew. Accessed 21 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for mildew

mildew

noun

mil·dew | \ ˈmil-ˌdü

, -ˌdyü \

Kids Definition of mildew

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a thin whitish growth produced by a fungus especially on decaying material or on living plants

2 : a fungus producing mildew

mildew

verb

mildewed; mildewing

Kids Definition of mildew (Entry 2 of 2)

: to become affected with mildew

mildew

noun

mil·dew | \ ˈmil-ˌd(y)ü

Medical 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