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Definition of gnat

gnat

/næt/
gnat
Plural:gnats
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gnat Lexical Profile

gnat Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A broad, informal term for any tiny, annoying flying insect, such as a fruit fly or fungus gnat, particularly one that acts as a minor nuisance.

Example

"He waved his hand frantically to shoo away a gnat that was buzzing around his ear while he tried to read."

2

Any of various small, delicate, two-winged flies in the suborder Nematocera, often found hovering in large swarms near water or moist environments.

Example

"During our hike near the lake, a persistent cloud of gnats hovered just above the trail."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gnat

• Rhymes for gnat

• Nearby Words

gnarly
gnash
gnashers
gnat
gnatcatcher
gnateater
gnatwren

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'gnæt', of West Germanic origin; related to Low German 'gnatte' and German 'Gnitze' (midge). The initial 'g' became silent in modern English pronunciation.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gnat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gnat
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