ant-man n.

an alien being that resembles an ant in humanoid form

Also as the proper name of several superheroes in the Marvel universe, first appearing in 1962.

1901 H. G. Wells First Men in Moon xxii. 272 H. G. Wells
These ant-like beings, these ant-men.
1942 R. M. Farley Radio Planet in Famous Fantastic Mysteries Apr. 16/1 page image Ralph Milne Farley bibliography
Then the ant-man clattered rapidly off down the corridor, taking the precious cartridge with him.
1984 D. Brin Practice Effect iii. iii. 47 David Brin bibliography
To be slain on sight by mammal-hating antmen, for instance, would have merely been unavoidable bad luck.
1995 S. Baxter Ant-Men of Tibet in Interzone May 11 page image Stephen Baxter bibliography
The nearest Ant-Man took a single, angular step towards me. He was perhaps five feet all. His legs were so thin they were more like bare bones, I thought, than fleshy limbs. His body seemed segmented…. His head was a sort of pear-shape.

antedating 1901

Last modified 2020-12-16 04:08:47
In the compilation of some entries, HDSF has drawn extensively on corresponding entries in OED.