midge

noun

ˈmij 

: a tiny dipteran fly (such as a chironomid)

Examples of midge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The species commonly feeds on the larvae of a midge, or a fly, that forms galls on the edges of pin oak leaves, according to the University of Maryland Extension. —Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2024

The mating calls of male Panama cross-banded tree frogs are synchronized to confuse bats and midges. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 17 July 2024

If present these are the immature stages of the hibiscus midge. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2024

Sometimes called black flies or midges, gnats are small, flying insects that live near rivers and streams. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 July 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