fruit fly

noun

: any of various small dipteran flies (such as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

Examples of fruit fly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Raw bacon and other meats were stored above fresh produce, fruit flies were present in the storage area and food debris had accumulated on cabinets and drawers. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026 In addition to being a nuisance, fruit flies can actually be harmful. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 Tiny fruit flies come in from outside, attracted to ripening produce on your kitchen counter, or they may be brought in on infested fruit. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026 Ruptures, tears, and cracks are known to shape zebra fish nostrils, hydra mouths, fruit fly legs, and whole flatworms. Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fruit fly

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fruit fly was circa 1753

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fruit fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruit%20fly. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

fruit fly

noun
: any of various small two-winged flies whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

Medical Definition

fruit fly

noun
: any of various small dipteran flies (as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

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