mealybug

noun

mealy·​bug ˈmē-lē-ˌbəg How to pronounce mealybug (audio)
: any of a family (Pseudococcidae) of scale insects that have a white cottony or waxy covering and are destructive pests especially of fruit trees

Examples of mealybug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 Occasionally, mealybugs may make their home in this succulent. Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024 When bay leaf grows indoors, monitor the plants for mealybugs and spider mites. Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2024 In containers, the main pests to look for are thrips, mealybugs, and aphids. Abigayle Ward, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for mealybug 

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mealybug was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

“Mealybug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mealybug. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mealybug

noun
mealy·​bug ˈmē-lē-ˌbəg How to pronounce mealybug (audio)
: any of numerous scale insects that have a white cottony or waxy covering and are destructive pests especially of fruit trees

More from Merriam-Webster on mealybug

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