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

The plants will be healthier after division because large clumps are prone to powdery mildew. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Once herbaceous perennials enter dormancy, any plant material that appears diseased from powdery mildew or any type of fungal leaf spot should be removed. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 Aug. 2026

It’s best known as a way to combat powdery mildew, a fungal infection that appears as a white, powdery coating on plant leaves. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 2026

Humid weather and overly dense plants create the ideal conditions for powdery mildew spores to settle on leaves and spread. — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 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