whitefly

noun

white·​fly ˈ(h)wīt-ˌflī How to pronounce whitefly (audio)
: any of numerous small homopterous insects (family Aleyrodidae) that are injurious plant pests

Examples of whitefly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many herbs also attract whiteflies, which will then infest your cucumbers. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026 What Is Scale? Relatives of whiteflies and aphids, scale are soft-bodied, sucking insects that consume sap or plant cell contents. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026 Scale, mealybugs, and whiteflies require more aggressive and nuanced controls, such as the application of neem oil. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Dec. 2025 Although mites are arachnids, the most common garden insect pests, namely aphids, scales, mealybugs, and whiteflies, all suck from plant foliage with stylets. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whitefly

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whitefly was in 1896

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whitefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whitefly. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on whitefly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster