fruit fly

noun

: any of various small dipteran flies (such as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

Examples of fruit fly 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.
Take FlyBase — an online database of the Drosophila melanogaster (otherwise known as the fruit fly) genome, which for more than 30 years has been an essential resource for researchers studying everything from cancer genes to neurodegeneration to the fundamental mechanisms of inheritance. Megan Molteni, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026 Raw bacon and other meats were stored above fresh produce, fruit flies were present in the storage area and food debris had accumulated on cabinets and drawers. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026 In addition to being a nuisance, fruit flies can actually be harmful. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 Tiny fruit flies come in from outside, attracted to ripening produce on your kitchen counter, or they may be brought in on infested fruit. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fruit fly

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fruit fly was circa 1753

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fruit fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruit%20fly. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

fruit fly

noun
: any of various small two-winged flies whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

Medical Definition

fruit fly

noun
: any of various small dipteran flies (as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

More from Merriam-Webster on fruit fly

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster