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mildew

2 synonyms for mildew, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A powdery or fuzzy fungal growth, usually whitish or greyish, that forms on damp surfaces, fabric, or decaying plants.

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A powdery or fuzzy fungal growth, usually whitish or greyish, that forms on damp surfaces, fabric, or decaying plants.

“The bathroom tiles were spotted with black mildew from the constant steam.”

2. verb

To become covered in, or ruin something with, this fungal growth.

“The old curtains had mildewed after years in the damp attic.”

How to use mildew

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

mildew stains prevent mildew smell of mildew

Etymology

From Old English mildēaw, itself a blend of an old Germanic word for "honey" and "dew" — an old poetic image for the sticky, dew-like film fungus can leave behind.

Full origin of mildew →

Frequently asked questions

What does “mildew” mean?
The word “mildew” means a powdery or fuzzy fungal growth, usually whitish or greyish, that forms on damp surfaces, fabric, or decaying plants. In plain terms, a type of fungus that grows on damp things, leaving powdery white or grey patches and a musty smell.
How do you pronounce “mildew”?
“Mildew” is pronounced MIHL-dyoo (/ˈmɪl.d(j)u/ in IPA).
How do you use “mildew” in a sentence?
Here is “mildew” used in a sentence: “The bathroom tiles were spotted with black mildew from the constant steam.”
What part of speech is “mildew”?
Depending on how it is used, “mildew” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mildew” come from?
The word “mildew” comes from Old English. From Old English mildēaw, itself a blend of an old Germanic word for "honey" and "dew" — an old poetic image for the sticky, dew-like film fungus can leave behind.
How many meanings does “mildew” have?
“Mildew” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a powdery or fuzzy fungal growth, usually whitish or greyish, that forms on damp surfaces, fabric, or decaying plants.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.