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Definition of horsefly

horsefly

/ˈhɔːrsflaɪ/
horse · fly
Plural:horseflies
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horsefly Lexical Profile

horsefly Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, stout-bodied two-winged fly of the family Tabanidae, found worldwide near meadows, woodlands, and wetlands, the female of which has blade-like mouthparts that inflict a painful bite on horses, cattle, and humans to feed on blood.

Example

"The horses swished their tails constantly in the pasture to ward off a persistent horsefly."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for horsefly

• Nearby Words

horseback
horsebox
horsefeathers
horsefly
horsehair
horsehead
horsehide

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English as a compound of 'horse' and 'fly', referring to the insect's habit of biting horses and other large grazing livestock.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Horsefly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/horsefly
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