powdery mildew

noun

1

: an ascomycetous fungus (family Erysiphaceae) producing abundant powdery conidia on the host

2

: a plant disease caused by a powdery mildew

Examples of powdery mildew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples of lawn fungus diseases include brown patch (Rhizoctonia), red thread (Laetisaria fuciformis), gray snow mold (Typhula incarnata and Typhula ishikariensis), pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale), and powdery mildew (Erysiphaceae family). —David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 28 May 2026

To prevent diseases like powdery mildew, keep the soil consistently moist while avoiding overwatering. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 May 2026

Treatment Options For Powdery Mildew Because powdery mildew does not significantly affect the health of most plants, treatment is seldom necessary or practical in the home garden. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2026

This cultivar is also tolerant of powdery mildew, a common plant disease that can affect the quality of dahlia flowers. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for powdery mildew

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

powdery mildew

noun

: a fungus that is a parasite and produces a large number of powdery spores on the host

also : a plant disease caused by such a fungus