whitefly

noun

white·​fly ˈ(h)wīt-ˌflī How to pronounce whitefly (audio)
: any of numerous small homopterous insects (family Aleyrodidae) that are injurious plant pests

Examples of whitefly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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It is also thought that the pungent aroma of basil leaves may help to deter pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and hornworms. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026 By attracting ladybugs and lacewings, cilantro brings in the main predators for potato-eating insects like aphids, mites, whiteflies, and thrips. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2026 What Is Scale? Relatives of whiteflies and aphids, scale are soft-bodied, sucking insects that consume sap or plant cell contents. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026 Scale, mealybugs, and whiteflies require more aggressive and nuanced controls, such as the application of neem oil. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whitefly

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whitefly was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Whitefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whitefly. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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