honeydew

noun

hon·​ey·​dew ˈhə-nē-ˌdü How to pronounce honeydew (audio)
-ˌdyü
1
: a saccharine deposit secreted on the leaves of plants usually by aphids or scale insects or sometimes by a fungus
2

Examples of honeydew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Crocker says these were most likely the exoskeletons of aphids, a common rose pest, and the bugs’ sugary byproduct called honeydew. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026 Check not only for insects and their larvae or nymphs, but also for eggs, pupal structures, sticky honeydew, webbing, and tiny dark dots on stems and the backs of leaves. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026 Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon give these popsicles their tricolor flair. Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 21 Apr. 2026 In contrast, aphids produce a sticky residue called honeydew that coats foliage and can later develop into a black coating known as sooty mold. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for honeydew

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of honeydew was in 1526

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Cite this Entry

“Honeydew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honeydew. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

honeydew

noun
hon·​ey·​dew ˈhən-ē-ˌd(y)ü How to pronounce honeydew (audio)
1
: a sugary substance deposited on the leaves of plants usually by aphids or scale insects or sometimes by a fungus
2

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