honeydew

noun

hon·​ey·​dew ˈhə-nē-ˌdü 

-ˌdyü

1

: a saccharine deposit secreted on the leaves of plants usually by aphids or scale insects or sometimes by a fungus

2

: honeydew melon

Examples of honeydew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sooty mold is the black residue that grows on the clear, sticky honeydew excreted by the scale. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2026

Yellow stippling on plant leaves and sticky honeydew residue can be signs of pests, but pests can also cause leaf wilting and stunted growth. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026

Even melons that won't ripen or grow sweeter at room temperature, like honeydew, do become softer and juicier. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026

This white blend is made from grapes from the family’s Bolgheri estate and has aromas of honeydew, white peach, and grapefruit pith. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing honeydew

• honeydew melon

Rhymes for honeydew

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue

Kids Definition

honeydew

noun

hon·​ey·​dew ˈhən-ē-ˌd(y)ü 

1

: a sugary substance deposited on the leaves of plants usually by aphids or scale insects or sometimes by a fungus

2

: honeydew melon