whitefly

noun

white·​fly ˈ(h)wīt-ˌflī 

: any of numerous small homopterous insects (family Aleyrodidae) that are injurious plant pests

Examples of whitefly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both mealybugs and whiteflies leave behind honeydew, creating a sticky mess that can lead to sooty mold—a black fungus that lives off the honeydew. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026

Interestingly, the quantum dot functioned as an effective pest repellent against adult sweet potato whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026

Aphids, whiteflies, beetles and fleas Woolsey explains that neonicotinoids work by targeting receptors found mostly in insect nervous systems. — Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026

Besides towering over other plants, sunflowers attract whiteflies, ants, and aphids that can spread to pepper and other nearby plants. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for whitefly

• abscissae
• adonai
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi