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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fruit fly was circa 1753

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

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