The New York Times Crossword · 7-Down · 7 letters
Tiny biting insect The New York Times Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 25, 2026
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Meaning cue
Use a seven-letter colloquial name for a biting midge whose tiny size is emphasized by the name itself; omit punctuation in the grid.
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Answer
Why it fits
NOSEEUM fits because the seven-letter entry, written without hyphens, names a minute biting insect matching the clue's size and behavior.
Continue this puzzleOne-named Senegalese American singer with the #1 hits "I Wanna Love You" and "Don't Matter" →What narrows the clue
Both “tiny” and “biting” distinguish this insect from broader short answers such as gnat; the entry omits punctuation.
Answer meaning
A no-see-um is a tiny biting midge whose small size makes it difficult to see.
Where this clue appeared
7-Down in The New York Times Crossword puzzle for August 25, 2026.
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