mildew

noun mil·dew \ ˈmil-ˌdü , -ˌdyü \

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

Definition of mildew

1 a : 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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mildewy

play \-ē\ adjective

See mildew defined for English-language learners

See mildew defined for kids

Examples of mildew in a Sentence

The basement's damp walls were covered with mildew.

Recent Examples of mildew from the Web

Now a Fremont house that’s condemned due to a leaky roof and mildew just sold for $1.23 million, $230,000 over the asking price.

— San Francisco Chronicle, "Two Bay Area houses underline the housing crisis," 20 Apr. 2018
Some have cured mildew with a spray of 50 percent skim milk, 50 percent water.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Heuchera is easy to grow and adds color to gardens | Idaho Statesman," 11 Apr. 2018
Water from the wall behind the two toilets spilled out onto the floor, slowly making its way to the assembly area’s carpet as the youths came and went, compounding the mold and mildew problem.

— mary ellen klas, miamiherald, "Florida legislators pass bill to allow surprise inspections of juvenile lock-ups | Miami Herald," 7 Mar. 2018
Mold and mildew can be harmful to your health by causing respiratory problems and allergic reactions.

— stacy argo, Houston Chronicle, "GHBA Remodelers Council: Care for your glass shower doors, enclosures," 22 Feb. 2018
Media: Cheddar Mold and mildew can be black, green or pink and grow on moist surfaces.

— stacy argo, Houston Chronicle, "GHBA Remodelers Council: Care for your glass shower doors, enclosures," 22 Feb. 2018
Washing lines are strung across the room like telegraph wires — wet clothes would likely freeze in the minus-5 temperatures outside — and the interior is all peeling wallpaper, mildew stains and a rusty mirror in the bathroom.

— alexander smith, NBC News, "Pussy Riot members say Swedish exile is price of opposing Putin," 15 Feb. 2018
In one corner stood a stone chapel, the feet of its walls thick with mildew, and about a hundred yards farther on lay what had to be the main house.

— karl ove knausgaard, New York Times, "A Literary Road Trip Into the Heart of Russia," 14 Feb. 2018
And a wet mattress is not only unappealing in terms of a sleep environment, but also is a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

— jolie kerr, Esquire, "Yes, It's Possible to Clean Your Mattress," 11 Mar. 2016

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

mildew

verb

Definition of mildew

transitive verb

: to affect with or as if with mildew

intransitive verb

: to become affected with mildew

Recent Examples of mildew from the Web

Of course, that is a gift that expires, one that quickly mildews into a curse.

— richard lawson, Vanities, "Chloë Grace Moretz and Brooklyn Beckham’s Reunion Proves Young Love Is Complicated," 9 Oct. 2017
Of course, that is a gift that expires, one that quickly mildews into a curse.

— richard lawson, vanityfair.com, "Chloë Grace Moretz and Brooklyn Beckham’s Reunion Proves Young Love Is Complicated," 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, "Cuban fishing village made famous by Hemingway busy with recovery efforts after Irma," 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, "Hauling away Harvey’s debris an enormous, urgent task," 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, "An Enormous, Urgent Task: Hauling Away Harvey’s Debris," 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, "For the Ultimate Mediterranean Sailing Trip, Ditch the Captain and Crew," 20 July 2017
Any worn out, or damaged material that is mildewed or dirty.

— sharon hlapcich, Orange County Register, "Race to benefit Anaheim’s adopted Marine unit," 11 May 2017

First Known Use of mildew

1552

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

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MILDEW Defined for English Language Learners

mildew

noun

Definition of mildew for English Language Learners

: a usually white substance that grows on the surface of things in wet, warm conditions

MILDEW Defined for Kids

mildew

noun mil·dew \ ˈmil-ˌdü , -ˌdyü \

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

mildew

verb

Definition of mildew for Students

mildewed; mildewing

: to become affected with mildew

Medical Dictionary

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