ant
|ant|
/ænt/
small social insect
Etymology
'ant' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ǣmete' (also written 'āmete'), where the form goes back to a Proto-Germanic root '*amaitijō' referring to the insect.
'ant' changed from Old English 'ǣmete' (Middle English forms like 'aunte'/'ant') and eventually simplified in Modern English to 'ant'. It is related to German 'Ameise' (Old High German 'amisa').
Initially it meant the insect (the same social insect), and over time this basic meaning has been retained; only the form of the word changed.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small social insect of the family Formicidae, living in colonies and often forming complex nests.
An ant crawled across the picnic blanket.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a figurative use: a very industrious or hardworking person (used rarely).
She is an ant when it comes to organizing events.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/20 07:08