honeydew

noun

hon·​ey·​dew ˈhə-nē-ˌdü How to pronounce honeydew (audio)
-ˌdyü
1
: a saccharine deposit secreted on the leaves of plants usually by aphids or scale insects or sometimes by a fungus
2

Examples of honeydew 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.
The aphids feed on plant juices and excrete honeydew, a sugary substance that ants crave. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 25 May 2025 This spirit-free cocktail starts wtih the honeydew juice, shaken to create a delicate foam, while the rim of the glass is lightly brushed with beet paint for a subtle, earthy touch. Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025 This mold forms on the sticky honeydew excreted by whiteflies during feeding. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025 This is a site which handles imports of pineapple, watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe and mango. Steven Savage, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for honeydew

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of honeydew was in 1526

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Cite this Entry

“Honeydew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honeydew. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

honeydew

noun
hon·​ey·​dew ˈhən-ē-ˌd(y)ü How to pronounce honeydew (audio)
1
: a sugary substance deposited on the leaves of plants usually by aphids or scale insects or sometimes by a fungus
2

More from Merriam-Webster on honeydew

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