rose slug

noun

: the green larva of either of two sawflies (Cladius difformis and Endelomyia aethiops) that feed on the parenchyma of and skeletonize the leaves of roses

Examples of rose slug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bristly rose slugs are the variety most commonly seen in San Diego rose gardens. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2024 Caterpillars, rose slugs, grasshoppers, spider mites and chilli thrips are the prime pests in the summer. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2023 Rose pests in the spring include aphids, rose slugs, caterpillars, hoplia beetles and thrips. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rose slug was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near rose slug

Cite this Entry

“Rose slug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rose%20slug. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!