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fly swatter

American  
Or fly-swatter,

noun

  1. a device for killing flies, mosquitoes, and other insects, usually a square sheet of wire mesh attached to a long handle.


Etymology

Origin of fly swatter

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Especially the electronic fly swatter, encased in plastic.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2023

The firm's marketing manager Sam Baylis shows the BBC the tennis racket-style electrified fly swatter, leaned up against a wall.

From BBC • Sep. 29, 2023

Additionally, you can use clear fly traps to capture the bugs who hang out in your windows, and when in doubt, a fly swatter will do the trick — you just have to be quick!

From Salon • May 10, 2022

As I watched her observe her husband and sons’ delight around the Christmas tree, I noticed that she was holding something that could either be a gold spatula or a fly swatter.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2020

The old man sat on a stool by the front door with a red rubber fly swatter in his right hand, watching them.

From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko