aphid

noun

ˈā-fəd How to pronounce aphid (audio)
 also  ˈa-fəd
: any of numerous very small soft-bodied homopterous insects (superfamily Aphidoidea) that suck the juices of plants

Examples of aphid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Common Pests & Plant Diseases Insect pests of camellias include tea scales and aphids, both of which produce a waste product called honeydew that encourages sooty mold to grow on the foliage. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024 Otherwise, lady beetles and ladybugs can actually help out your garden by eating up aphids, the small and sap-sucking insects that can kill off plants. Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024 Peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, benefitting turnips, while turnips detract aphids, which benefits peas. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2024 Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aphid 

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aphid was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near aphid

Cite this Entry

“Aphid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

aphid

noun
ˈā-fəd How to pronounce aphid (audio)
 also  ˈaf-əd
: any of numerous small soft-bodied insects that suck the juices of plants

More from Merriam-Webster on aphid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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