Definition

Noun: An implement designed for killing flying insects, typically consisting of a flat, often perforated or mesh surface attached to a long, slender handle. The user swats or hits the insect with the flat part.

Usage

The word "flyswatter" is a countable noun. It refers specifically to the handheld tool. * You use a flyswatter to kill flies and other small flying insects by hitting them. * It is a common household item, especially in warmer months or climates.

Examples

• "I grabbed the flyswatter from the kitchen drawer to deal with the fly buzzing around the room."
• "The old flyswatter was made of wire mesh and a wooden handle."
• "A quick swipe with the flyswatter ended the mosquito's flight."

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe any quick, decisive action taken to eliminate a minor but annoying problem.
  • Example: "The new policy was a flyswatter against the swarm of bureaucratic inefficiencies." (This is a figurative and less common usage.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fly swatter: An alternative, two-word spelling with the same meaning.
• Swatter: A common, informal shortening of "flyswatter."
  • Example: "Hand me the swatter, please."

Synonyms

• Insect swatter: A more general term.
• Fly bat: A less common, informal synonym.

Notes

• The implement is sometimes humorously or colloquially called a "fly swat."
• The action of using it is "to swat a fly."

Noun

1. an implement with a flat part (of mesh or plastic) and a long handle; used to kill insects