midge

[mij]

noun

1. any of numerous minute dipterous insects, especially of the family Chironomidae, somewhat resembling a mosquito.

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

Other Word Forms

• midgy 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

As for Arthur, the eye midge grants him a second life of sorts, popping itself into his dead skull and jerking him from prone into a seated position.

Read more on Salon

Terrifying as that is, the eye midge manages to be scarier.

Read more on Salon

Wales' chief vet Richard Irvine said bluetongue, a virus transmitted by midge bites that affects cattle, sheep and goats, was "a potentially devastating disease".

Read more on BBC

This virus is predominantly spread by midge bites rather than mosquitos, with the main type of midge involved in transmission not found in Europe or the UK.

Read more on BBC

Spread by midges, bluetongue presents no threat to food safety or human health, but can be fatal for livestock, including sheep and cattle.

Read more on BBC