spittlebug
noun
spit·tle·bug
ˈspi-tᵊl-ˌbəg 
: any of a family (Cercopidae) of leaping homopterous insects whose nymphal larvae produce a frothy secretion
called also froghopper
Examples of spittlebug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Winters have been cold enough to weaken the trees, but not cold enough to kill the spittlebug populations.
—
The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
Its spread prompted the EU to require Italy to create a buffer zone—with susceptible trees destroyed and spittlebug-friendly grasses cut—but implementation has been slow.
—The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
For the next 15 years, Baumann, Moran, and their colleagues used similar DNA analyses to document equally long-term relationships between bacteria and white flies, spittlebugs, cicadas, leafhoppers, and psyllids.
—Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 14 Nov. 2019
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The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
Its spread prompted the EU to require Italy to create a buffer zone—with susceptible trees destroyed and spittlebug-friendly grasses cut—but implementation has been slow.
—The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
For the next 15 years, Baumann, Moran, and their colleagues used similar DNA analyses to document equally long-term relationships between bacteria and white flies, spittlebugs, cicadas, leafhoppers, and psyllids.
—Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 14 Nov. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Spittlebug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spittlebug. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spittlebug
noun
spit·tle·bug
-ˌbəg
: any of numerous leaping insects that produce and cover themselves with foam in the young stages
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