What does nit mean?
A nit is, literally, the egg of a louse or a similar parasitic insect. These tiny eggs attach to hair or clothing, which explains the familiar expression "nits" in discussions of head lice and their removal. The word also has two established figurative uses. It may refer to an extremely small person, usually with an affectionate or dismissive tone, and it may mean a minor flaw or petty complaint that someone considers insignificant. In contemporary usage, the figurative senses are often more familiar than the entomological one. Calling a criticism a "nit" can suggest that it is too trivial to deserve serious attention, although the appropriate choice depends on tone. A person who repeatedly raises such minor objections may be described as "nitpicky." The word combines a precise literal meaning with a broader social use for anything perceived as tiny, minor, or pedantically criticized.
The egg of a louse or another parasitic insect, especially one attached to hair or clothing. Figuratively, it can refer to a tiny person or a minor flaw or complaint.
"She found a nit in her daughter's hair and checked the rest of the family too."
The figurative senses are informal; the sense for a minor fault may be mildly dismissive.
To examine hair or clothing for nits, usually with the intention of removing them.
"Parents should check regularly for nits rather than waiting for itching to begin."
Usually used intransitively and associated with checking or treating someone for lice.
Use the plural when referring to several parasitic insect eggs or multiple minor faults.
"The nurse removed the nits and checked the child's hair again the following day."
A nit is tiny even before it hatches—and in modern English, a trivial objection can be just as irritating.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nit come from?
The word comes from Old English gnitt, meaning the egg of a louse. It developed through Middle English and was eventually shortened to the modern form "nit." The original sense remained a standard term for parasitic insect eggs, while later figurative uses extended the word to very small people and insignificant faults or criticisms.
Related word forms
How nit is actually used
The literal sense is standard in British and American English. The figurative sense for a tiny person is informal and sometimes dismissive, while the sense for a minor fault or complaint is common in general discussion.
Easily confused with nit
A nit is primarily the egg of a parasitic insect, whereas a gnat is a small flying insect.
A nit is a minor flaw or complaint, while nitpick is a verb or noun referring to the act of criticizing such small matters.