midge

noun

ˈmij 

: a tiny dipteran fly (such as a chironomid)

Examples of midge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If a mosquito or a midge — a tiny fly – bites an infected critter and then goes for a blood meal from a human, the virus can take root. —Maria Isabel Barros Guinle, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024

Scientists were surprised when another kind of midge then picked up the virus from sickened sheep and carried it all the way to Norway. —Lois Parshley, Scientific American, 1 May 2018

The mating calls of male Panama cross-banded tree frogs are synchronized to confuse bats and midges. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

Climate change has worsened the spread of the virus, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as global warming impacts midge populations. —Léa Pernelle, Fortune Europe, 21 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing midge

• biting midge
• gall midge

Kids Definition

midge

noun

ˈmij 

: a very small fly : gnat

Medical Definition

midge

noun

ˈmij 

: 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