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.
Aphids, whiteflies, beetles and fleas Woolsey explains that neonicotinoids work by targeting receptors found mostly in insect nervous systems. — Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 Besides towering over other plants, sunflowers attract whiteflies, ants, and aphids that can spread to pepper and other nearby plants. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 July 2026 Companion planting with marigolds, nasturtiums, or zinnias helps deter or manage whiteflies naturally. — The Spruce, 18 July 2026 In particular, French marigolds can effectively deter various insects, including aphids, whiteflies, and mosquitoes. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 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

Rhymes for whitefly

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Browse Nearby Words

white flux
whitefly
whitefoot
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Cite this Entry

“Whitefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whitefly. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on whitefly

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about whitefly

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