fire blight

noun

: a destructive infectious disease especially of apples, pears, and related fruits caused by a bacterium (Erwinia amylovora)

Examples of fire blight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Yet many homeowners avoid them because older varieties are prone to a number of diseases, including apple scab, cedar apple rust, fire blight and powdery mildew. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026 Both loquat species are susceptible to fire blight, a disease caused by bacteria that enter flower nectaries if rain should fall during bloom. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026 While fire blight can affect some species of pear trees, these plants are relatively disease-proof and have a good deal of cold tolerance. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026 Look for improved cultivars that are resistant to fire blight and scab. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fire blight

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fire blight was in 1742

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Cite this Entry

“Fire blight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fire%20blight. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

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