midge

[ mij ]

noun

1. any of numerous minute dipterous insects, especially of the family Chironomidae, somewhat resembling a mosquito. Compare gnat ( def 1 ).
2. Chiefly British. a little person.

midge

/ mɪdʒ /

noun

1. any fragile mosquito-like dipterous insect of the family Chironomidae, occurring in dancing swarms, esp near water
2. any similar or related insect, such as the biting midge and gall midge
3. a small or diminutive person or animal

Derived Forms

• ˈmidgy, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of midge¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English mygge, Old English mycg; cognate with German Mücke, Old Norse mȳ; akin to Greek myîa, Latin musca “fly”

Word History and Origins

Origin of midge¹

Old English mycge; compare Old High German mucca, Danish myg

Example Sentences

Images of the fossils’ soft tissues, captured with scanning electron microscopy, reveal them in astonishing detail, from the facets of a crane fly’s compound eye to phantom midges trapped in a fish’s stomach.

From Science News

Blue Midge,—feather of Waterhen's neck,—lead coloured silk for body, grizzled hackle for legs.

From Project Gutenberg

Why, there is one who has reached the top; he is not to be compared with a fly so much as a midge—who would have thought it?

From Project Gutenberg

In another minute Midge was on her sled, and, with one red-mittened hand waving on high, was whizzing down the hill.

From Project Gutenberg

The squire shook his head to drive the thought away—yet it persisted, coming back like a midge dancing before his face.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus ordered, Captain Cavendish opened the door and began calling loudly on the unknown lady bearing the name of Midge.

From Project Gutenberg