SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

rubytail

noun
Save Word
variants: or ruby-tailed fly \ ˈ⸗⸗ˌ⸗-​ \

Definition of rubytail

: any of various cuckoo wasps especially : a common European insect (Chrysis viridula) having part of the abdomen metallic red

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of rubytail

1826, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About rubytail

Time Traveler for rubytail

Time Traveler

The first known use of rubytail was in 1826

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near rubytail

ruby spinel

rubytail

rubythroat

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for rubytail

Cite this Entry

“Rubytail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rubytail. Accessed 17 Oct. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

perpetuity

Listen to the pronunciation of perpetuity

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

  • alphabet pasta spelling help
  • Which is the correct spelling?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games