vinegar fly

noun

: drosophila

Examples of vinegar fly 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.
Fruit flies, also known as vinegar flies, are tiny insects that buzz around in search of rotting fruit. — Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2024 The small holes allow access to vinegar flies but keep out larger insects. — Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press, 25 Apr. 2023 Unlike other fruit and vinegar flies, which lay eggs on overripe or rotting fruit, the SWD does its thing inside the fresh stuff, compromising what would otherwise be a marketable product, according to Cornell. — Caroline Tien, SELF, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from its breeding in pickles

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vinegar fly was in 1901

Rhymes for vinegar fly

See All Rhymes for vinegar fly

Browse Nearby Words

vinegar eel
vinegar fly
vinegarish
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vinegar fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vinegar%20fly. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vinegar fly

noun
: drosophila

Medical Definition

vinegar fly

noun
: drosophila sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on vinegar fly

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vinegar fly

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