thrips

noun

plural thrips
: any of an order (Thysanoptera) of small to minute sucking insects many of which feed often destructively on plant juices

Examples of thrips in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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There are many different kinds that can pose a threat to your monstera, but one of the most common is thrips. Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026 The thrips’ preferred temperature – about 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit – matches South Florida’s average almost perfectly. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 Daylilies are sometimes plagued by pests like thrips, slugs, aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025 Although other pests cause similar damage, thrips damage is often associate with numerous small flecks of dark green to black fecal matter. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thrips

Word History

Etymology

Latin, woodworm, from Greek

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thrips was in 1795

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Cite this Entry

“Thrips.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thrips. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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