midst

noun

ˈmidst 

ˈmitst

1

: the interior or central part or point : middle

in the midst of the forest

2

: a position of proximity to the members of a group

a traitor in our midst

3

: the condition of being surrounded or beset

in the midst of his troubles

4

: a period of time about the middle of a continuing act or condition

in the midst of a meal

midst preposition

Synonyms of midst

• middle
• center

Examples of midst in a Sentence

The river passes through the midst of the city.

a bustling city in the midst of the desert

We are in the midst of a terrible war.

They were in the midst of remodeling their house.

The region is currently in the midst of a terrible drought.

We never gave up hope in the midst of our troubles.

Recent Examples on the Web

In perhaps the most striking example of learning during sleep, Konkoly, Paller, and several collaborators witnessed what amounted to conversations with people who were in the midst of dreams. —Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026

In the midst of her diagnosis, Fyfe is continuing treatment, including chemotherapy, while also exploring additional therapies alongside it. —Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

In the midst of war and crisis, children are paying the price. —Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026

And Florida is in the midst of drawing new maps to create four more Republican seats in its 28-member delegation. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English middest, alteration of middes, short for amiddes amid

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing midst

• in someone's midst

Rhymes for midst

• didst
• amidst

Kids Definition

midst

1 of 2 noun

ˈmidst

1

: the middle part or period

in the midst of the forest

2

: a condition of being near or among the members of a group

a traitor in our midst

3

: the condition of being surrounded

in the midst of our troubles

midst

2 of 2 preposition

(ˌ)midst

: amid