flypaper

[ flahy-pey-per ]

noun

1. paper designed to destroy flies fly by catching them on its sticky surface or poisoning them on contact.

flypaper

/ ˈflaɪˌpeɪpə /

noun

1. paper with a sticky and poisonous coating, usually hung from the ceiling to trap flies

Word History and Origins

Origin of flypaper¹

First recorded in 1840–50; fly ¹ + paper

Example Sentences

It's made of sugars -- acylsugars, to be precise -- and acts as a sort of natural flypaper for would-be pests.

From Science Daily

Still today, the pit attracts and inadvertently immobilizes mammals, birds and insects like “flies on flypaper,” according to Bird Center’s statement on the incident.

From Seattle Times

The bubbling tar, or asphalt, has previously captured small mammals, birds and insects like “flies on flypaper,” according to the International Bird Rescue.

From Los Angeles Times

Det Con Stephen Williams from Dyfed Powys Police described a cluttered room, with flypaper full of flies next to a 16th birthday balloon and cards.

From BBC

A strip of flypaper dangled from the ceiling.

From New York Times