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

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

Avoid problems with powdery mildew by properly spacing plants to ensure good air circulation. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026

Unlike most fungal diseases, powdery mildew does not require free water on leaf surfaces to germinate; in fact, moisture on leaves can inhibit spore development. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

This is especially important for zucchini, which is prone to powdery mildew. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 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