fire ant

noun

: any of a genus (Solenopsis) of fiercely stinging omnivorous ants
especially : imported fire ant

Examples of fire ant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Coconut rhinoceros beetles were detected for the first time on islands statewide in subsequent months, while little fire ants caused serious concern on Oahu's windward coast. CBS News, 24 Oct. 2024 On a grassy berm earlier this year, Alex Kolker — an Louisiana State University professor — sidestepped some fire ants and stood looking at the Venture Global plant. Ricky Carioti, Washington Post, 5 July 2024 Chemical compounds in the fire ant's venom, piperidine alkaloids, cause the pustule to form over a few hours. Amanda Gardner, Health, 27 May 2024 Then, two minutes and 52 seconds into Espinoza’s arrest footage, Rogers makes the first audible reference to fire ants. Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 29 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for fire ant 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fire ant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fire ant was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near fire ant

Cite this Entry

“Fire ant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fire%20ant. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fire ant

noun
: any of a genus of fiercely stinging ants
especially : imported fire ant

Medical Definition

fire ant

noun
: any ant of the genus Solenopsis
especially : imported fire ant

More from Merriam-Webster on fire ant

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