: any of a family (Tabanidae) of swift usually large dipteran flies with bloodsucking females

Examples of horsefly 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.
The whine of mosquitoes probing for just one millimeter of flesh undefended by DEET was constant, set off by a counterpoint buzz of horseflies circling my head. Rusty Foster, Washington Post, 23 July 2024 Horses wearing an all-grey coat received the most landings by horseflies, followed by horses wearing coats with large black triangles, with the fewest horsefly landings on small checkerboard patterns (Figure 2A). Grrlscientist, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of horsefly was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near horsefly

Cite this Entry

“Horsefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horsefly. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

: any of a family of swift usually large two-winged flies with bloodsucking females

Medical Definition

plural horseflies
: any of the swift usually large dipteran flies with bloodsucking females that comprise the family Tabanidae

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