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
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.
Strawberries attract slugs and aphids and should be planted far away from cabbage. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 June 2025 The sugarcane aphid, or Melanaphis sacchari, is an insect barely one-sixteenth of an inch long, the thickness of a penny. Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 To prove this point, no male oleander aphids have yet been found. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 May 2025 Decentralized Systems Inspired By Ants Ants build cities, farm aphids and coordinate like tiny logistics pros—all without a boss. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Aphid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphid. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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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