blackfly
noun
black·fly
ˈblak-ˌflī 
plural blackflies or blackfly
: any of various small dark-colored insects
especially
: any of a family (Simuliidae and especially genus Simulium) of bloodsucking dipteran flies whose larvae usually live in flowing streams
Examples of blackfly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bug Shirt Untreated loose-knit fabrics provide no defense from mosquitoes, blackflies, and ticks.
—
Andrew Skurka, Outside Online, 21 May 2018
Andrew Skurka, Outside Online, 21 May 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blackfly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of blackfly was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near blackfly
Cite this Entry
“Blackfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blackfly. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
blackfly
noun
black·fly
ˈblak-ˌflī
plural blackflies or blackfly
: a two-winged fly that bites and whose larvae live in flowing streams
Medical Definition
blackfly
noun
black·fly
ˈblak-ˌflī
plural blackflies
: any of a family (Simuliidae) and especially genus Simulium of bloodsucking dipteran flies
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