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
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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
On apple trees, fire blight appears on foliage that looks torched.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
Look for improved cultivars that are resistant to fire blight and scab.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Callery pear was introduced in breeding programs in the U.S. because it was known to resist fire blight, a disease affecting pear and apple trees.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
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Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
On apple trees, fire blight appears on foliage that looks torched.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 15 Jan. 2026
Look for improved cultivars that are resistant to fire blight and scab.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2025
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Callery pear was introduced in breeding programs in the U.S. because it was known to resist fire blight, a disease affecting pear and apple trees.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fire blight
Cite this Entry
“Fire blight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fire%20blight. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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