Mildew is a soft white fungus that grows in damp places.
The room smelled of mildew.
Synonyms: mould, damp More Synonyms of mildew
mildew in British English
(ˈmɪlˌdjuː)
noun
1.
any of various diseases of plants that affect mainly the leaves and are caused by parasitic fungi
See also downy mildew, powdery mildew
2.
any fungus causing this kind of disease
3. another name for mould2
verb
4.
to affect or become affected with mildew
Derived forms
mildewy (ˈmilˌdewy)
adjective
Word origin
Old English mildēaw, from mil- honey (compare Latin mel, Greek mēli) + dēawdew
mildew in American English
(ˈmɪlˌdu; ˈmɪlˌdju)
noun
1.
a thin, furry, usually whitish coating or discoloration, caused by a fungus, that forms on the surface of various plants,on organic matter, or on damp paper, cloth, bathroom tiles, etc.
2.
any fungus that attacks various plants or that produces such a coating or discoloration
3.
any plant disease, as powdery mildew, caused by such fungus
verb transitive, verb intransitive
4.
to affect or become affected with mildew
Derived forms
mildewy (ˈmilˌdewy)
adjective
Word origin
ME mildewe < OE meledeaw, nectar, lit., honeydew, akin to Goth milith, honey < IE base *melit- (> L mel, Gr meli, honey) + base of OE deaw, dew
Examples of 'mildew' in a sentence
mildew
It could also be a symptom of powdery mildew, caused by the dry summer.
The Sun (2016)
The best way to keep powdery mildew at bay is to ensure plants are growing healthily.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It is useful in areas that suffer poor ventilation, mould or mildew.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Soon the whole plant was affected by " powdery mildew '.
Christy Campbell PHYLLOXERA: How Wine was Saved for the World (2004)
Some years, it gets powdery mildew.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
HELP me stop my vine getting powdery mildew.
The Sun (2012)
How can I stop powdery mildew ruining my soft fruits and vegetables?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Everything inside, including large pieces of ancient and discarded furniture, smells of damp and mildew.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Dry summer weather, on the other hand, encourages mildew disease.
The Sun (2012)
For example, dryness will make some mints susceptible to powdery mildew, a white mould on the leaves and stems.
Stickland, Sue Planning the Organic Herb Garden (1986)
HOW do I stop my onions getting ruined by mildew fungus?
The Sun (2011)
HOW can I stop powdery mildew on my strawberries?
The Sun (2014)
HOW can I stop my climbing honeysuckle getting powdery mildew?
The Sun (2013)
HOW can I rid my sweet peas of powdery mildew?
The Sun (2015)
HOW can I control powdery mildew on a honeysuckle?