aphid

noun

ˈā-fəd How to pronounce aphid (audio)
 also  ˈa-fəd
: any of numerous very small soft-bodied homopterous insects (superfamily Aphidoidea) that suck the juices of plants

Examples of aphid 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.
Stay alert for insects such as caterpillars, aphids and beetles that affect plant foliage and control as needed. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025 Cicadas belong to the order Hemiptera, the same one that includes stink bugs, bed bugs, aphids and cicada families, according to Cicada Safari, a research group that crowdsources cicada data and sightings. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 22 June 2025 They are used as trap crops in veggie gardens to draw aphids away from food crops or used to attract beneficial insects that feed on caterpillars, aphids, and more. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2025 Radishes are another cabbage relative that can be infested by problematic pests like aphids and flea beetles. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for aphid

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aphid was in 1827

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Cite this Entry

“Aphid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphid. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

aphid

noun
ˈā-fəd How to pronounce aphid (audio)
 also  ˈaf-əd
: any of numerous small soft-bodied insects that suck the juices of plants

More from Merriam-Webster on aphid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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