Definition

A type of small insect that jumps and creates a frothy mass of liquid on plants, often seen on stems.

Example

The gardener noticed a spittlebug on the stem of the plant, surrounded by its frothy secretion.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a spittlebug on a plant?

Yeah, I remember seeing those little frothy things when I was a kid.

They look so strange, like tiny blobs of foam!

I know, right? It’s amazing how something so tiny can create such a mess.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spittlebug is formed from "spittle" (from Old English "spit", meaning saliva or liquid) and "bug" (from Middle English "bugge", meaning an insect or creature). The word refers to an insect that produces a frothy mass resembling spit.

Memory Tip

Think of 'spittle' as the liquid or saliva that the bug produces, which helps you remember that a spittlebug is an insect that creates a spittle-like foam.

Visually Confused Words