alate

1 of 2

adjective

: having wings or a winglike part

alate

2 of 2

noun

: a winged insect (such as an ant or termite) of a kind having winged and wingless forms

Examples of alate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The alates flying from their nests can travel up to 300 yards. Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com, 22 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin alatus, from ala

First Known Use

Adjective

1661, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alate was in 1661

Dictionary Entries Near alate

Cite this Entry

“Alate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alate. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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