gnat

1 of 2

noun

ˈnat How to pronounce gnat (audio)
: any of various small usually biting dipteran flies
gnatty
ˈna-tē How to pronounce gnat (audio)
adjective

gnatty

2 of 2

adjective

gnat·​ty ˈnatē How to pronounce gnatty (audio)
-er/-est
: infested with gnats

Examples of gnat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Position these traps near your plants to catch adult gnats and reduce egg laying. — Leah Chester-Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026 The inspector noticed some vegetables and chicken at an unsafe temperature, several gnats flying around the back room of the kitchen and rodent droppings in the dry storage area. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Aug. 2026 This is especially helpful in gnat-prone areas, Carpenter says. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 28 July 2026 Of course, the list of invertebrates include mosquitoes, gnats, yellow flies, ticks and other biting pests, which are most annoying June through August but can be nuisances at other times of the year. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for gnat

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English gnætt; akin to Old English gnagan to gnaw

Adjective

gnat + -y

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gnat was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing gnat

Rhymes for gnat

See All Rhymes for gnat

Browse Nearby Words

gnash one's teeth
gnat
gnatcatcher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gnat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gnat. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gnat

noun
ˈnat How to pronounce gnat (audio)
: any of various small usually biting two-winged flies

Medical Definition

gnat

noun
ˈnat How to pronounce gnat (audio)
: any of various small usually biting dipteran flies (as a midge or blackfly)

More from Merriam-Webster on gnat

Nglish: Translation of gnat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gnat

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