midge
Midge (noun) means a tiny, gnat-like flying insect, some species of which bite. Example: “We were eaten alive by midges on our walk near the loch.”
How to use midge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA very small flying insect, similar to a gnat, that often bites and swarms in large numbers.
Don't confuse with "midget," which developed later as a diminutive of "midge" in its old figurative sense of a small person, but is now considered offensive when used of people.
Word forms
midges plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We were eaten alive by _____ on our walk near the loch.
Etymology
From Old English mycg, a very old Germanic word for the small biting insect, closely related to words like Dutch mug and German Mücke.
Rhymes for midge
See all rhymes for midge →Frequently asked questions
What does “midge” mean?
The word “midge” means a tiny, gnat-like flying insect, some species of which bite. In plain terms, a very small flying insect, similar to a gnat, that often bites and swarms in large numbers.
How do you pronounce “midge”?
“Midge” is pronounced mihj (/mɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “midge” in a sentence?
Here is “midge” used in a sentence: “We were eaten alive by midges on our walk near the loch.”
What part of speech is “midge”?
“Midge” is a noun.
Where does the word “midge” come from?
The word “midge” comes from Old English. From Old English mycg, a very old Germanic word for the small biting insect, closely related to words like Dutch mug and German Mücke.