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
mildewed; mildewing; mildews
: to affect with or as if with mildew
: 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
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
These fabrics are known for repelling dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens much more effectively than traditional down.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2025
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025
Wandering through the winding streets and mildewing apartments of the medieval Tuscan city, Leonardo becomes the quintessential teenage romantic, both bursting with youthful promise and corroding from adolescent alienation.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Sep. 2024
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Noun
Kill Mold Mold and mildew can be a problem in steamy bathrooms and areas with constant moisture.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
These fabrics are known for repelling dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens much more effectively than traditional down.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Linens And Towels Sheets and blankets should be stored outside the bathroom when possible, as should bath towels because all are vulnerable to mildewing.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025
Wandering through the winding streets and mildewing apartments of the medieval Tuscan city, Leonardo becomes the quintessential teenage romantic, both bursting with youthful promise and corroding from adolescent alienation.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for mildew
Cite this Entry
“Mildew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mildew. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mildew
1 of 2 noun
mil·dew
ˈmil-ˌd(y)ü 
: a usually whitish growth produced on decaying material or living plants by fungi
also
: a fungus producing mildew
mildew
2 of 2 verb
: to affect with or become affected with mildew
Medical Definition
mildew
noun
mil·dew
ˈmil-ˌd(y)ü
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
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