thrips

noun

plural thrips
: any of an order (Thysanoptera) of small to minute sucking insects many of which feed often destructively on plant juices

Examples of thrips in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The worst offenders include Japanese beetles, aphids, thrips, squashbugs, lily beetles, and leafminers. Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 8 Mar. 2026 Although other pests cause similar damage, thrips damage is often associate with numerous small flecks of dark green to black fecal matter. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026 There are many different kinds that can pose a threat to your monstera, but one of the most common is thrips. Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026 The thrips’ preferred temperature – about 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit – matches South Florida’s average almost perfectly. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thrips

Word History

Etymology

Latin, woodworm, from Greek

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thrips was in 1795

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Cite this Entry

“Thrips.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thrips. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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