Gnat

A tiny, often flying insect belonging to various families, including the Chironomidae (non-biting midges), Ceratopogonidae (biting midges), and Simuliidae (black flies). Gnats are generally characterized by their small size, delicate appearance, and buzzing sound. While some gnats are harmless, others, like biting midges and mosquitoes, can be a nuisance, and their bites may cause irritation or even transmit diseases. They are commonly found near water sources and in humid environments. The term 'gnat' is often used colloquially to refer to any small, flying insect.

Gnat meaning with examples

• The picnic was quickly ruined by swarms of gnats, making it impossible to enjoy the food or conversation. People were constantly swatting at the tiny insects, trying to keep them from landing on their skin or getting in their eyes. Children started crying, their faces smeared with insect repellent but still beset by the relentless, biting gnats, bringing the entire experience to an abrupt end.
• As the hiker traversed the swampy area, they found themselves surrounded by a cloud of tiny, biting gnats. Despite wearing long sleeves and pants, the persistent insects managed to find exposed skin, leaving itchy red welts. The hiker tried to swat them away, but there were simply too many, creating a miserable experience for the outdoors-lover in that natural environment and forcing an early return.
• The artist was trying to paint a landscape outdoors, but the constant buzzing of gnats around their head made it impossible to concentrate. Each time they were making a brush stroke, a gnat would fly by, disrupting the workflow, and threatening to land in their wet paint, ruining the meticulous artwork. After a couple hours of these annoyances the artist went indoors, but then the gnats had become an unwelcome memory.
• The summer air was thick with the annoying presence of tiny gnats, forming a veritable haze around the porch lights. Despite the effort to spray insect repellent, the persistent insects kept returning, drawn to the warmth and light. Children and adults alike would often sit and watch the flying insects, and swat at them, adding a subtle soundtrack to the balmy summer nights.