mildew

1 of 2

noun

mil·​dew ˈmil-ˌdü How to pronounce mildew (audio)
-ˌdyü
1
a
: a superficial usually whitish growth produced especially on organic matter or living plants by fungi (as of the families Erysiphaceae and Peronosporaceae)
b
: a fungus producing mildew
2
: a discoloration caused by fungi
mildewy
ˈmil-ˌdü-ē How to pronounce mildew (audio)
-ˌdyü-
adjective

mildew

2 of 2

verb

mildewed; mildewing; mildews

transitive verb

: to affect with or as if with mildew

intransitive verb

: to become affected with mildew

Examples of mildew in a Sentence

Noun The basement's damp walls were covered with mildew.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Rain and warm, humid weather in June set a prolonged scene for virulent outbreaks of mildew that some said was the worst in 25 years. —Elin McCoy, Fortune Europe, 11 May 2024 This resistance helps prevent problems such as mold, mildew, and rot, which can compromise the roof’s structural integrity and shorten its lifespan. —Sara Kendall, Miami Herald, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for mildew 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mildew.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English meledēaw honeydew; akin to Old High German militou honeydew

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1552, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of mildew was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing mildew

Dictionary Entries Near mildew

milden

mildew

mildewcide

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Mildew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mildew. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

mildew

1 of 2 noun
mil·​dew ˈmil-ˌd(y)ü How to pronounce mildew (audio)
: a usually whitish growth produced on decaying material or living plants by fungi
also : a fungus producing mildew
mildewy
-ˌd(y)ü-ē How to pronounce mildew (audio)
adjective

mildew

2 of 2 verb
: to affect with or become affected with mildew

Medical Definition

mildew

noun
mil·​dew ˈmil-ˌd(y)ü How to pronounce mildew (audio)
1
: a superficial usually whitish growth produced especially on organic matter or living plants by fungi (as of the families Erysiphaceae and Peronosporaceae)
2
: a fungus producing mildew

More from Merriam-Webster on mildew

Nglish: Translation of mildew for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mildew

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