honeydew
Americannoun
-
the sweet material that exudes from the leaves of certain plants in hot weather.
-
a sugary material secreted by aphids, leafhoppers, scale insects, psyllids, and other homopterous insects.
noun
-
a sugary substance excreted by aphids and similar insects
-
a similar substance exuded by certain plants
-
short for honeydew melon
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of honeydew
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.
Cantaloupe and honeydew are both delicious, I am not casting shade on either, but there is nothing finer — or more hydrating, or more delicious — than watermelon.
From Salon • Aug. 15, 2024
“These invasive insects feed on the sap of grapevines, while also leaving behind a sticky honeydew residue on the clusters and leaves.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2024
Ants will protect aphids in order to feast on the sticky honeydew that they produce.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 29, 2024
Where the bugs are thick, lanternfly honeydew can kill the forest’s understory by blanketing it in stickiness, which encourages the growth of sooty mold.
From National Geographic • Aug. 31, 2023
At a Catholic orphanage, he hauls out leftover boxes of honeydew melon, oranges, and bread.
From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
