housefly

noun

house·​fly ˈhau̇s-ˌflī 

: a cosmopolitan dipteran fly (Musca domestica) that is often about human habitations and may act as a mechanical vector of diseases (such as typhoid fever)

also : any of various flies of similar appearance or habitat

Examples of housefly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Among the topics discussed: the fate of the planet, a book about a housefly in outer space and the disposition of a certain check for $50 million. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 July 2024

Maggots are the larvae of various fly species, such as fruit flies, houseflies, cheese flies and blowflies. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2024

Under these conditions, houseflies cannot take flight. —Rachel Lance, WIRED, 16 Apr. 2024

The Oriental fruit fly, which is slightly larger than a housefly at around 8 millimeters long, is generally bright yellow. —Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

housefly

noun

house·​fly -ˌflī 

: a two-winged fly that is common about human living places and may spread disease (as typhoid fever)

Medical Definition

housefly

noun

house·​fly -ˌflī 

plural houseflies

: a cosmopolitan dipteran fly of the genus Musca (M. domestica) that is often found about human habitations and may act as a mechanical vector of diseases (as typhoid fever)

also : any of various flies of similar appearance or habitat