midge

noun

ˈmij How to pronounce midge (audio)
: a tiny dipteran fly (such as a chironomid)

Examples of midge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shamonda virus is spread by bites from a type of fly called a midge. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 26 Oct. 2026 Risk to humans is considered low French authorities suspect that the person who had Shamonda virus had been bitten by a midge that was carrying the virus. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 The Shamonda virus is spread by tiny biting flies, which are known as midges. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Virus-carrying midges are hampering deer season in South Dakota, where an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease has prompted South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to issue deer license refunds. — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for midge

Word History

Etymology

Middle English migge, from Old English mycg; akin to Old High German mucka midge, Greek myia fly, Latin musca

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of midge was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing midge

Rhymes for midge

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Browse Nearby Words

Midgard
midge
midget
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Midge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/midge. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

midge

noun
ˈmij How to pronounce midge (audio)
: a very small fly : gnat

Medical Definition

midge

noun
ˈmij How to pronounce midge (audio)
: any of numerous tiny dipteran flies (especially families Ceratopogonidae, Cecidomyiidae, and Chironomidae) many of which are capable of giving painful bites and some of which are vectors or intermediate hosts of parasites of humans and various other vertebrates see biting midge

More from Merriam-Webster on midge

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about midge

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