Word: Mosquito

Pronunciation

/ˌmɒsˈkiːtoʊ/

Definitions

• Noun: A small, flying insect with a slender body, long legs, and wings, that typically feeds on the blood of animals and humans, often transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, or Zika virus. Example: “The buzzing of mosquitoes kept us awake all night.”

Example Sentences:

• “We had to use mosquito nets while sleeping in the jungle to avoid getting bitten.”
• “Scientists are studying the mosquito’s life cycle to understand how it spreads disease.”

Phrases

• “Mosquito bite”: The act of a mosquito piercing the skin to feed on blood, which often results in an itchy welt on the skin. Example: “I woke up covered in mosquito bites.”
• “Mosquito repellent”: A substance applied to the skin or clothing to discourage mosquitoes from biting. Example: “Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent on your camping trip.”

Synonyms

• Insect
• Bug
• Fly (specifically, a type of fly called Culicidae)
• Bloodsucker
• Gnats (in some regions, this term is used interchangeably with mosquitoes)

Note on Usage

As a noun, “mosquito” does not have verb or adjective forms in standard English usage. However, it can be used in compound nouns or adjectives like “mosquito-proof” (adjective describing something that keeps out mosquitoes) or “mosquito control” (the management or eradication of mosquito populations).