hummingbird moth

noun

: a hawk moth (as Hemaris thysbe) that is often active during the day, is typically tan and reddish brown or black and yellow, has wings more or less devoid of scales except for a dark border, and resembles a hummingbird in darting from flower to flower and hovering while feeding compare bumblebee moth, hummingbird hawk-moth

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hummingbird moth was in 1901

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 hummingbird moth

Cite this Entry

“Hummingbird moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hummingbird%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!