thrips

noun

plural thrips
: any of an order (Thysanoptera) of small to minute sucking insects many of which feed often destructively on plant juices

Examples of thrips 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.
Like any oil, neem oil can cause plant foliage to burn up in the sun, so keep that in mind when applying. Uses For Neem Oil Neem oil can be used in the garden and on houseplants for many common pests, such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, caterpillars, leaf miners, and more. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2025 Keep a lookout for common melon pests, like aphids, cucumber beetles, thrips, and spider mites. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025 The main pests in the spring garden are aphids, hoplia beetles, caterpillars, rose slugs and thrips. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 In Australia, some Macrozamia cycads rely on region-specific thrips to carry pollen from male cones to females. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrips

Word History

Etymology

Latin, woodworm, from Greek

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thrips was in 1795

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thrips.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thrips. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on thrips

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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