mildew
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms 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.
How to use mildew
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
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.