ant

ant · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A small social insect of the family Formicidae, typically having a black, red, or brown body and living in organized colonies.

  2. 2.

    (informal) A hardworking, industrious person.

Forms

plural: ants

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    have ants in one's pants — To be restless or fidgety.
  • •
    ant farm — An enclosed container for observing ants.
  • •
    army ant — A type of ant that moves in large swarms.
  • •
    fire ant — An aggressive ant with a painful sting.

Related words

See also: ants, colony, insect, termite
Synonyms: emmet (archaic), pismire (archaic)

Etymology

From Middle English ampte, ante, from Old English æmette ("ant"), from West Germanic amaitjo. Related to Old High German ameiza (German Ameise).