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Synonyms

honeydew

American  
[huhn-ee-doo, -dyoo] / ˈhʌn iˌdu, -ˌdyu /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • honeydewed adjective

Etymology

Origin of honeydew

First recorded in 1570–80; honey + dew

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Sep. 3, 2024

“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 • Jun. 13, 2024

Where the bugs are thick, lanternfly honeydew can kill the forest’s understory by blanketing it in stickiness, which encourages the growth of sooty mold.

From National Geographic • Aug. 31, 2023

That included providing a buffet of fresh watermelon and honeydew for wary travelers.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2023

At a Catholic orphanage, he hauls out leftover boxes of honeydew melon, oranges, and bread.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario