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noun

mite

myt

Mite (noun) means a tiny eight-legged creature related to ticks, often too small to see clearly. Example: “Dust mites can trigger allergies in sensitive people.”

noun
1
A tiny eight-legged creature related to ticks, often too small to see clearly.
"Dust mites can trigger allergies in sensitive people."
2
A very small amount or a tiny bit of something.
"He's a mite too proud for his own good."

How to use mite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the microscopic arachnid, or an old-fashioned word meaning "a small amount."

Common pairings
dust mite a mite annoyed

Word forms

mites plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Dust _____ can trigger allergies in sensitive people.

Etymology

From Old English mīte, "tiny insect," from a root meaning "to cut" — the idea of something cut very small.

Origin: Old English

Related words

Rhymes for mite

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mite” mean?

The word “mite” means a tiny eight-legged creature related to ticks, often too small to see clearly. In plain terms, either the microscopic arachnid, or an old-fashioned word meaning "a small amount.".

How do you pronounce “mite”?

“Mite” is pronounced myt (/maɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “mite” in a sentence?

Here is “mite” used in a sentence: “Dust mites can trigger allergies in sensitive people.”

What part of speech is “mite”?

“Mite” is a noun.

Where does the word “mite” come from?

The word “mite” comes from Old English. From Old English mīte, "tiny insect," from a root meaning "to cut" — the idea of something cut very small.

How many meanings does “mite” have?

“Mite” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tiny eight-legged creature related to ticks, often too small to see clearly.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial