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Definition of catchfly

catchfly

/ˈkætʃ.flaɪ/
catch · fly
Plural:catchflies
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catchfly Lexical Profile

catchfly Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various herbaceous flowering plants of the genus Silene and related genera in the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), characterized by viscid, sticky stems that trap small insects and bearing clusters of showy white, pink, or red cinco-petaled blossoms.

Example

"The wildflower meadow was dotted with the bright pink blossoms of sweet William catchfly."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for catchfly

• Nearby Words

catchable
catchall
catcher
catchfly
catchily
catchiness
catching

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century as a compound of 'catch' and 'fly', referring to the sticky, viscid secretions on the stems and calyxes of these plants that trap small insects.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Catchfly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/catchfly
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