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vespid

noun

ves·​pid ˈve-spəd How to pronounce vespid (audio)
: any of a cosmopolitan family (Vespidae) of chiefly social wasps that usually live in colonies like bees
vespid adjective

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin vespa wasp — more at wasp

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vespid was in 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vespid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vespid. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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