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fruit fly
noun
: any of various small dipteran flies (such as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter
Examples of fruit fly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Simply set out bowls of coffee grounds among your outdoor seating areas to prevent ants, mosquitoes, fruit flies, and squirmy critters from crashing your barbecue.
—Joey Skladany, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2024
Residents with questions about the project or those who believe their produce may be infested with fruit fly larvae may call CDFA’s Pest Hotline at 800-491-1899.
—Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2024
Additionally, spoiled apples can attract fruit flies or other pests, leading to further issues in your kitchen or storage area.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024
The winning video was a close-up of a fruit fly embryo taken by Bruno Vellutini.
—Eva Amsen, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
circa 1753, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fruit fly
Cite this Entry
“Fruit fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruit%20fly. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
fruit fly
noun
: any of various small two-winged flies whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter
Medical Definition
fruit fly
noun
: any of various small dipteran flies (as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter
More from Merriam-Webster on fruit fly
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fruit fly
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