bogong moth

noun

bo·​gong moth
ˈbōˌgȯŋ-,
-gäŋ-
variants or bugong moth
ˈbüˌ-
: an Australian noctuid moth (Agrotis infusa) that is made into a paste and eaten by the aborigines when the moths estivate in huge clusters in rocky mountains to which they migrate from the breeding grounds many miles away

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Ngarigu (Australian Aboriginal language formerly spoken from Canberra southwest to Omeo in Victoria) buguŋ

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near bogong moth

Cite this Entry

“Bogong moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bogong%20moth. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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