flyblown

adjective

fly·​blown ˈflī-ˌblōn How to pronounce flyblown (audio)
1
a
: not pure : tainted
a world flyblown with the vices of irresponsible powerV. L. Parrington
b
: not bright and new : seedy, moth-eaten
c
: trite, hackneyed
a long list of flyblown metaphorsHorizon
2
a
: infested with eggs or young larvae of a flesh fly or blowfly
b
: covered with flyspecks

Did you know?

One meaning of blow (used mostly, it seems, by 17th century entomologists) is "to deposit eggs or larvae on"-hence the blowfly, which lays its eggs on meat or wounds. Flyblown has its origins in the very unpleasant image of a blowfly's victim, and it's from this literal meaning that the more common senses come. Phrases such as flyblown shack and flyblown restaurant still suggest the actual presence of flies, if not necessarily their embryonic precursors.

Examples of flyblown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But in the Central African Republic, Russia already has its way, with scant Western reaction, and in the flyblown mayhem of its capital, Bangui, a different kind of Russian victory is already on display. Roger Cohen Mauricio Lima, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flyblown.' 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

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of flyblown was in 1528

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Dictionary Entries Near flyblown

Cite this Entry

“Flyblown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flyblown. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

flyblown

adjective
fly·​blown ˈflī-ˌblōn How to pronounce flyblown (audio)
: not pure : tainted, corrupt

Medical Definition

flyblown

adjective
fly·​blown -ˌblōn How to pronounce flyblown (audio)
1
: infested with flyblows
2
: covered with flyspecks
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