powdery mildew

noun

1

: an ascomycetous fungus (family Erysiphaceae) producing abundant powdery conidia on the host

2

: a plant disease caused by a powdery mildew

Examples of powdery mildew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This technique helps direct energy upward to the top of the plant and prevents ground-level issues such as powdery mildew. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Excessive watering, especially late in the day from overhead sprinklers, can cause fungal diseases like powdery mildew. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 June 2026

Plant diseases, like powdery mildew, spread more readily during summer. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026

The plants are susceptible to Botrytis mold and powdery mildew as well as crown and root rot. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for powdery mildew

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

powdery mildew

noun

: a fungus that is a parasite and produces a large number of powdery spores on the host

also : a plant disease caused by such a fungus