To save this word, you'll need to log in.
\ ˈthrips 
\
\ plural thrips
Definition of thrips
: any of an order (Thysanoptera) of small to minute sucking insects many of which feed often destructively on plant juices
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on thrips
What made you want to look up thrips? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words for Summer: A Quiz
- Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Words for Summer: A Quiz
Test your knowledge of words related to the season of longer days and vacations.
Take the quiz - A More Exception(al) Quiz
Which of these things doesn't belong?
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Syn City
Build a city of skyscrapers—one synonym at a time.
Play the game
Share thrips
Time Traveler for thrips
The first known use of thrips was in 1795
See more words from the same year