peppered moth

noun

: a European geometrid moth (Biston betularia) that typically has white wings with small black specks but also occurs as a solid black form especially in areas where the air is heavily polluted by industry

Examples of peppered moth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Their conclusions are backed up by other studies of evolution, such as in Darwin's finches, or the peppered moth. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2018 In 1848, a Manchester lepidopterist called R.L. Edleston caught a rare variety of the peppered moth, normally a pale, delicately ornamented creature. Cal Flyn, WSJ, 3 June 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peppered moth was in 1766

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Cite this Entry

“Peppered moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppered%20moth. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

peppered moth

noun
: a European moth that normally has white wings with small black specks but often has black wings in areas with heavy air pollution

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