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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One Dallas restaurant was temporarily closed during May 17-23 health inspections due to no hot water, and maggots, fruit flies and roaches were found at other establishments, according to data from the city compiled by the Star-Telegram. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026 Yet several other experiments conducted on fruit flies in low-Earth orbit suggested the insects’ larvae had a higher death rate in that environment than on Earth. Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 26 May 2026 Having fresh fruit at home often attracts fruit flies, which are tricky to trap. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2026 Pineapple plants are primarily affected by mealybugs, scale insects, ants, and fruit flies, which can cause significant damage, reduce yields, and transmit diseases such as mealybug wilt. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 24 May 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 4 Jun. 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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