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fruit fly
noun
: any of various small dipteran flies (such as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter
Examples of fruit fly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When do fruit flies go away in Ohio? Ohioans can expect fruit flies to be around until late September or early October, according to Ellen Klinger, associate professor of professional practice for Ohio State University's department of entomology.
—Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2024
After observing that the fruit flies moved differently based on air conditions, the authors deduced that fruit flies can sense both the presence and direction of wind.
—Lizette Ortega, Washington Post, 28 July 2024
For the present study, the researchers experimented on fruit flies (Drosophila).
—New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2024
The worm spreads via a variegated fruit fly, Phortica variegate, that feasts on the tears and salty eye secretions of various mammals.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 14 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fruit fly
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fruit fly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1753, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fruit fly
Cite this Entry
“Fruit fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruit%20fly. Accessed 17 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
fruit fly
noun
: any of various small two-winged flies whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter
Medical Definition
fruit fly
noun
: any of various small dipteran flies (as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter
More from Merriam-Webster on fruit fly
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fruit fly
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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