# mite

/ˈmaɪt/ (US) · /mˈaɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mite
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. tiny creature

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a very small creature, similar to a tiny spider, that lives in dust, plants, or animal fur.

For teachers: any of numerous minute arachnids of the subclass Acari, often parasitic or living in organic matter.

- Dust mites are so small that you cannot see them without a microscope.
- The veterinarian confirmed that the stray cat was suffering from ear mites, requiring a specialized topical treatment to clear the infestation.

### 2. a small amount

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a very small amount of something.

For teachers: a very small object, quantity, or particle; often used to emphasize insignificance.

- She offered what little she had, even though it was just a mite.
- He contributed his last mite to the charity, proving that even the smallest gesture can carry significant moral weight.

### 3. a small child

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a small child, especially one that you think is cute or feel sorry for.

For teachers: a small or young person, typically used affectionately or to evoke pity.

- The poor little mite was shivering in the cold without a coat.
- The neighbors looked after the tiny mite while his mother was recovering in the hospital.

### 4. slightly

adverb · CEFR C1 · Informal · British English

a little bit; slightly.

For teachers: used as an adverbial qualifier meaning to a small degree.

- The soup is a mite salty, but it still tastes good.
- The new manager seemed a mite overwhelmed by the volume of paperwork awaiting him on his first day.

Usage: Usually appears as 'a mite' before an adjective.

## Examples

- Dust mites are too small to see without a microscope.
- The poor little mite had been wandering the streets alone for hours before someone found him.
- While the individual mite is nearly invisible to the naked eye, a significant infestation can cause noticeable damage to crops or trigger severe allergic reactions in humans.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.