spittlebug
noun
spit·tle·bug
ˈspi-tᵊl-ˌbəg 
: any of a family (Cercopidae) of leaping homopterous insects whose nymphal larvae produce a frothy secretion
called also froghopper
Examples of spittlebug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Winters have been cold enough to weaken the trees, but not cold enough to kill the spittlebug populations.
—
The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
Its spread prompted the EU to require Italy to create a buffer zone—with susceptible trees destroyed and spittlebug-friendly grasses cut—but implementation has been slow.
—The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
For the next 15 years, Baumann, Moran, and their colleagues used similar DNA analyses to document equally long-term relationships between bacteria and white flies, spittlebugs, cicadas, leafhoppers, and psyllids.
—Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 14 Nov. 2019
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.
The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
Its spread prompted the EU to require Italy to create a buffer zone—with susceptible trees destroyed and spittlebug-friendly grasses cut—but implementation has been slow.
—The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
For the next 15 years, Baumann, Moran, and their colleagues used similar DNA analyses to document equally long-term relationships between bacteria and white flies, spittlebugs, cicadas, leafhoppers, and psyllids.
—Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 14 Nov. 2019
Dictionary Entries Near spittlebug
Cite this Entry
“Spittlebug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spittlebug. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spittlebug
noun
spit·tle·bug
-ˌbəg
: any of numerous leaping insects that produce and cover themselves with foam in the young stages
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share