emmet
Emmet (noun) means an ant (used in some regional English dialects, especially in the West Country). Example: “A line of emmets marched across the garden path.”
How to use emmet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a regional word for an ant, or (in Cornwall/Devon slang) a slightly teasing name for a tourist.
Informal and regional — you would not use "emmet" in formal writing outside of dialect contexts.
Word forms
emmets plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A line of _____ marched across the garden path.
Etymology
From Old English aemete, meaning "ant" — the same word that gives us "ant" itself. The tourist sense grew later in southwest England, comparing the swarms of summer visitors to a line of ants.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “emmet” mean?
The word “emmet” means an ant (used in some regional English dialects, especially in the West Country). In plain terms, either a regional word for an ant, or (in Cornwall/Devon slang) a slightly teasing name for a tourist.
How do you pronounce “emmet”?
“Emmet” is pronounced EH-miht (/ˈɛmɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “emmet” in a sentence?
Here is “emmet” used in a sentence: “A line of emmets marched across the garden path.”
What part of speech is “emmet”?
“Emmet” is a noun.
Where does the word “emmet” come from?
The word “emmet” comes from Old English. From Old English aemete, meaning "ant" — the same word that gives us "ant" itself. The tourist sense grew later in southwest England, comparing the swarms of summer visitors to a line of ants.
How many meanings does “emmet” have?
“Emmet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an ant (used in some regional English dialects, especially in the West Country).