fire ant

noun

: any of a genus (Solenopsis) of fiercely stinging omnivorous ants
especially : imported fire ant

Examples of fire ant 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.
An example of unintentional spread is the introduction of fire ants in Mobile, Alabama, about 100 years ago. Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025 These robotic dogs paired with AI software could be programmed to get rid of invasive fire ants better than humans. Analis Bailey, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025 These high-tech canines are being trained to sniff out invasive fire ants, using artificial intelligence to identify their nests with remarkable precision. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 21 Nov. 2024 Imagine walking through a park on a sunny day, only to feel the sharp sting of fire ants attacking your ankles. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 21 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for fire ant

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fire ant was in 1796

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Cite this Entry

“Fire ant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fire%20ant. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

fire ant

noun
: any of a genus of fiercely stinging ants
especially : imported fire ant

Medical Definition

fire ant

noun
: any ant of the genus Solenopsis
especially : imported fire ant

More from Merriam-Webster on fire ant

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