noun
midge
mihj
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.”
noun
1
A tiny, gnat-like flying insect, some species of which bite.
"We were eaten alive by midges on our walk near the loch."
"Midges swarm near water, especially at dusk in summer."
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.
Common mistake
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.
Common pairings
swarm of midges
midge bites
midge repellent
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Word forms
- Plural
- midges
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.
