powdery mildew

noun

1

: an ascomycetous fungus (family Erysiphaceae) producing abundant powdery conidia on the host

2

: a plant disease caused by a powdery mildew

Examples of powdery mildew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Not only does this require less space, but the vines will have less contact with the soil, which can help prevent fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025

Water the plants at the soil line if possible, as the plants can develop root rot in soggy soil or powdery mildew if their leaves stay wet. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025

Spotted or Dropping Leaves: Sooty mold, powdery mildew, or a fungus called Cercospora leaf spot can cause crepe myrtle leaves to look bad or drop. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2025

The most common plant diseases, like powdery mildew or botrytis, a fungal rot, appear on peony foliage and stems. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for powdery mildew

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

powdery mildew

noun

: a fungus that is a parasite and produces a large number of powdery spores on the host

also : a plant disease caused by such a fungus