1 horn fly | Definition of horn fly
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

horn fly

noun

Definition of horn fly

: a small dark gray European dipteran fly (Haematobia irritans) that has been introduced into North America where it is a blood-sucking pest especially of cattle

Examples of horn fly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Suzan Murray, director of the Smithsonian’s Global Health Program, suggests that climate change may play a role: Insects such as horn flies that could be transmitting parasites could be thriving in generally warmer and wetter conditions. — Jacob Brogan, Smithsonian, "How a Tiny Worm is Irritating the Most Majestic of Giraffes," 19 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'horn fly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of horn fly

1708, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for horn fly

horn fly

noun

Medical Definition of horn fly

: a small black European dipteran fly (Haematobia irritans of the family Muscidae) that has been introduced into North America where it is a bloodsucking pest of cattle

— called also cattle fly

More from Merriam-Webster on horn fly

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with horn fly

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about horn fly

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!