Phrase guide

white ant

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A termite.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: dated, informal

Examples

  • 1990 December 13, Kenya National Assembly Official Record (Hansard), page D.3, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am happy to hear that the hon. Member appreciates the fact that white ants cause a lot [of] destruction in his area. There is very little we can do about white ants.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

whitish soft-bodied ant-like social insect that feeds on wood

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: termite

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: insect

Narrower terms: dry-wood termite, Reticulitermes flanipes, Reticulitermes lucifugus, Mastotermes darwiniensis, Mastotermes electromexicus, Mastotermes electrodominicus

History

Etymology

From white + ant, reflecting a superficial resemblance to the ant.