honeydew

[ huhn-ee-doo, -dyoo ]

noun

1. honeydew melon.
2. the sweet material that exudes from the leaves of certain plants in hot weather.
3. a sugary material secreted by aphids, leafhoppers, scale insects, psyllids, and other homopterous insects.

honeydew

/ ˈhʌnɪˌdjuː /

noun

1. a sugary substance excreted by aphids and similar insects
2. a similar substance exuded by certain plants
3. short for honeydew melon

Derived Forms

• ˈhoneyˌdewed, adjective

Other Words From

• honey·dewed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of honeydew¹

First recorded in 1570–80; honey + dew

Example Sentences

In 10 to 12 days, adults surface to feast for roughly 90 days on honeydew melon, decaying fruit, plant nectar and bird dung.

From Los Angeles Times

The speared trio of green honeydew melons — shaped to resemble tennis balls — is the most obvious giveaway, as is the complimentary plastic cup the drink comes in.

From Salon

Cantaloupe and honeydew are both delicious, I am not casting shade on either, but there is nothing finer — or more hydrating, or more delicious — than watermelon.

From Salon

“These invasive insects feed on the sap of grapevines, while also leaving behind a sticky honeydew residue on the clusters and leaves.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ants will protect aphids in order to feast on the sticky honeydew that they produce.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cantaloupe
• gourd
• papaya
• watermelon