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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though the effects on fruit flies don’t perfectly mirror effects on humans, the flies show what systems in humans are likely affected by the same toxins. Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 30 Aug. 2025 The Mexican restaurant was cited for food safety violations ranging from fruit flies to a lack of paper towels at the hand-washing station in the back prep unit. Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Onboard are 75 mice and 1,000 fruit flies, along with a variety of microbes, cell cultures and plant seeds. Mike Wall, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Researchers fed it crickets and fruit flies. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Fruit fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruit%20fly. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fruit fly

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