fire ant

noun

: any of a genus (Solenopsis) of fiercely stinging omnivorous ants
especially : imported fire ant

Examples of fire ant 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.
Although excavation is effective against most ant species, it’s not recommended for fire ants due to their aggressive tendencies. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025 Australia’s first fire ant infestation was in 2001, according to the country’s Invasive Species Council (ISC). Jack Guy, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025 Their sting is initially more painful than a fire ant sting, Hayes says, but also irritatingly persistent, like fiberglass under the skin. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 13 June 2025 In their native range, Asian needle ant bites are associated with a 2 percent risk of anaphylaxis compared with a 0.5 to 1.5 percent risk from the bites of fire ants, Hayes says. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fire ant

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fire ant was in 1796

Cite this Entry

“Fire ant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fire%20ant. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fire ant

noun
: any of a genus of fiercely stinging ants
especially : imported fire ant

Medical Definition

fire ant

noun
: any ant of the genus Solenopsis
especially : imported fire ant

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