gall wasp

noun

: any of a family (Cynipidae) of hymenopterous gallflies

Illustration of gall wasp

Illustration of gall wasp
  • gall wasp and gall

Examples of gall wasp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beetles, leafminers, gall wasps, slugs, and other pesky invaders can all spell trouble for plant health. — Brittany Anas, House Beautiful, 8 June 2023 It’s a captivating legacy for a man who spent the first half of his career studying the gall wasp. — Sophie Putka, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gall wasp was in 1879

Browse Nearby Words

gallused
gall wasp
gally
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Cite this Entry

“Gall wasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gall%20wasp. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

gall wasp

noun
: a wasp that is a gallfly

More from Merriam-Webster on gall wasp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gall wasp

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