1 hoverfly | Definition of hoverfly
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hoverfly

noun
hov·​er·​fly | \ ˈhÉ™-vÉ™r-ËŒflÄ« How to pronounce hoverfly (audio) , ˈhä-\

Definition of hoverfly

: any of a family (Syrphidae) of dipteran flies that are noted for frequenting flowers and hovering at one place in the air and include some whose larvae prey on plant lice

— called also syrphid fly

Examples of hoverfly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Chiffchaffs and willow warblers sing in the sallow and alder, while every leaf seems to hold a butterfly or dragonfly or hoverfly. — The Economist, "Brexit is reverberating in British literature," 5 July 2018

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

First Known Use of hoverfly

1881, in the meaning defined above

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More from Merriam-Webster on hoverfly

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with hoverfly

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