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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The allelopathic can result in stunted growth and attract harmful pests like aphids and spider mites. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025 Ants carry scale, aphids, and mealy bugs into fruit trees. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025 Common pests are aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, Japanese beetles, slugs, and snails. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2025 But like other culinary herbs, basil of all sorts can also be used as companion plants for deterring common garden pests like aphids, flies, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, hornworms, and whiteflies. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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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