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Definition of hoverfly

hoverfly

/ˈhʌv.ɚˌflaɪ/
hov · er · fly
Plural:hoverflies
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hoverfly Lexical Profile

hoverfly Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of numerous true flies of the family Syrphidae, typically marked with yellow and black bands to mimic bees or wasps, known for their ability to hover motionless in mid-air and for pollinating flowers.

Example

"The gardener was pleased to see a hoverfly resting on the marigolds, as their larvae are excellent at controlling aphid populations."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hoverfly

• Nearby Words

hover
hoverboard
hovercraft
hoverfly
how
howdy
however

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'hover' and 'fly', named for the insect's characteristic ability to remain suspended motionless in mid-air while flying, often seen around flowers.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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