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

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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 2 Nov. 2024.

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