spittlebug
noun
spit·tle·bug
ˈspi-tᵊl-ˌbəg 
: any of a family (Cercopidae) of leaping homopterous insects whose nymphal larvae produce a frothy secretion
called also froghopper
Examples of spittlebug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Winters have been cold enough to weaken the trees, but not cold enough to kill the spittlebug populations.
—
The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
Its spread prompted the EU to require Italy to create a buffer zone—with susceptible trees destroyed and spittlebug-friendly grasses cut—but implementation has been slow.
—The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
For the next 15 years, Baumann, Moran, and their colleagues used similar DNA analyses to document equally long-term relationships between bacteria and white flies, spittlebugs, cicadas, leafhoppers, and psyllids.
—Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 14 Nov. 2019
The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
Its spread prompted the EU to require Italy to create a buffer zone—with susceptible trees destroyed and spittlebug-friendly grasses cut—but implementation has been slow.
—The Economist, 21 Sep. 2019
For the next 15 years, Baumann, Moran, and their colleagues used similar DNA analyses to document equally long-term relationships between bacteria and white flies, spittlebugs, cicadas, leafhoppers, and psyllids.
—Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 14 Nov. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spittlebug.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1882, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing spittlebug
Dictionary Entries Near spittlebug
Cite this Entry
“Spittlebug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spittlebug. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
spittlebug
noun
spit·tle·bug
-ˌbəg
: any of numerous leaping insects that produce and cover themselves with foam in the young stages
More from Merriam-Webster on spittlebug
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spittlebug
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