cutworm

noun

cut·​worm ˈkət-ˌwərm How to pronounce cutworm (audio)
: any of various smooth-bodied chiefly nocturnal noctuid moth caterpillars which often feed on young plant stems near ground level

Examples of cutworm 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.
Protect seedlings from cutworms. Cutworms are the caterpillars of certain species of moths that crawl along the soil line and chew through tender seedling stems in spring. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024 Also, be on the lookout for aphids, cutworms, woodchucks, and rabbits, which attack seedlings. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2024 And the find could have implications for controlling other important agricultural pests to which the tobacco cutworm is closely related, Dr. Hurst said. Elizabeth Anne Brown, New York Times, 6 Nov. 2023 The tobacco cutworm’s native range is in subtropical parts of China and Taiwan. Elizabeth Anne Brown, New York Times, 6 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for cutworm 

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutworm was in 1816

Dictionary Entries Near cutworm

Cite this Entry

“Cutworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutworm. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cutworm

noun
cut·​worm ˈkət-ˌwərm How to pronounce cutworm (audio)
: any of various smooth-bodied nocturnal moth caterpillars that usually feed on plants

More from Merriam-Webster on cutworm

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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