plural moths ˈmȯt͟hz How to pronounce moth (audio) ˈmȯths How to pronounce moth (audio)
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: any of various usually nocturnal lepidopteran insects with antennae that are often feathery, with a stouter body, duller coloring, and proportionately smaller wings than the butterflies, and with larvae that are plant-eating caterpillars
mothlike adjective
mothy adjective

Examples of moth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Apparently the gadget's AI brains aren't easily fooled by other types of small flying insects such as moths, or by airborne dust particles. Ben Coxworth may 13, New Atlas, 13 May 2025 Light pollution is especially important for moths because they are attracted to artificial lights at night, and so are their predators. Christopher Halsch, The Conversation, 8 May 2025 When a bird looks to eat it, the moth’s wings, which can span 10 inches, open and reveal what looks like two heads of a cobra, scaring the bird away. Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 Many full-sun perennials provide important food sources for bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and moths. Lauren David, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moth

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mothe, from Old English moththe; akin to Middle High German motte moth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moth was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moth. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

moth

noun
plural moths ˈmȯt͟hz How to pronounce moth (audio) ˈmȯths How to pronounce moth (audio)
: any of a group of night-flying insects that are lepidopterans often with duller coloring, stouter bodies, and smaller wings than the related butterflies and with antennae which are often feathery

More from Merriam-Webster on moth

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