pea moth

noun

: a small, dark, tortricid moth (Cydia nigricana synonym Laspeyresia nigricana) whose larva feeds in pea pods destroying the seeds and that is native to Europe and has spread to North America

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pea moth was in 1881

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near pea moth

Cite this Entry

“Pea moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pea%20moth. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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