noun
gnat
nat
Gnat (noun) means a small, flying insect, often found in swarms near water. Example: “A cloud of gnats hovered over the pond at dusk.”
noun
1
A small, flying insect, often found in swarms near water.
"A cloud of gnats hovered over the pond at dusk."
2
A minor, irritating annoyance or person.
"He brushed off the criticism as if it were a mere gnat."
How to use gnat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tiny biting or swarming insect, or figuratively a minor irritation.
Common pairings
swarm of gnats
gnat bite
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Word forms
- Plural
- gnats
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A cloud of _____ hovered over the pond at dusk.
Etymology
From Old English gnætt, from a Germanic root ultimately connected to words meaning "to gnaw" or "scratch."
Rhymes for gnat
See all rhymes for gnat →Frequently asked questions
What does “gnat” mean?
The word “gnat” means a small, flying insect, often found in swarms near water. In plain terms, a tiny biting or swarming insect, or figuratively a minor irritation.
How do you pronounce “gnat”?
“Gnat” is pronounced nat (/næt/ in IPA).
How do you use “gnat” in a sentence?
Here is “gnat” used in a sentence: “A cloud of gnats hovered over the pond at dusk.”
What part of speech is “gnat”?
“Gnat” is a noun.
Where does the word “gnat” come from?
The word “gnat” comes from Old English. From Old English gnætt, from a Germanic root ultimately connected to words meaning "to gnaw" or "scratch.".
How many meanings does “gnat” have?
“Gnat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, flying insect, often found in swarms near water.
