English · Nature & Environment
ant
/ænt/
[/ænt/]
small social insect
Beginnernoun
Definition
A small insect that lives in highly organised colonies and is known for strength and industry.
Example
A line of ants carried crumbs back to their nest beneath the cracked garden path.
A line of ants carried crumbs back to their nest beneath the cracked garden path.
Etymology
From Old English 'æmette', of Germanic origin.
How & Where It’s Used
A byword for diligence, as in Aesop's tale of the ant and grasshopper.