leafhopper

noun

leaf·​hop·​per ˈlēf-ˌhä-pər How to pronounce leafhopper (audio)
: any of a family (Cicadellidae) of small leaping homopterous insects that suck the juices of plants

Examples of leafhopper 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.
Pests Many sap-sucking insects target pepper leaves, including aphids (damage shown above), whiteflies, thrips, leafhoppers, and spider mites. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2024 This common disease is transmitted by leafhopper insects and cannot be treated once established. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 July 2024 In North America, most of them chow down on insects — things like mosquitos, moths, and leafhoppers. Benji Jones, Vox, 19 June 2024 These sprays are great for controlling mites, aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies, and hard scale insects. Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leafhopper 

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leafhopper was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near leafhopper

Cite this Entry

“Leafhopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leafhopper. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

leafhopper

noun
leaf·​hop·​per ˈlēf-ˌhäp-ər How to pronounce leafhopper (audio)
: any of numerous small leaping insects that are related to the cicadas and aphids and suck the juices of plants

More from Merriam-Webster on leafhopper

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!