earthworm
noun
earth·worm
ˈərth-ˌwərm 
: a terrestrial annelid worm (class Oligochaeta)
especially
: any of a family (Lumbricidae) of numerous widely distributed hermaphroditic worms that move through the soil by means of setae and feed on decaying organic matter
Examples of earthworm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Then, an earthworm might come along and eat one of the smaller chunks and break it down even more in its digestive tract.
—
Brian Darby, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024
In terms of agricultural significance, the Worm Moon is a positive sign for farmers and gardeners because active earthworms benefit soil health.
—The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024
Burping olms sometimes spat up parts of earthworm species that aren’t found underground, suggesting that the olms hunt during their forays topside.
—Elizabeth Anne Brown, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024
Take care: Use your hands to reach through the soil to limit the impact on the tiny creatures that help create a good growing medium, like earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024
The local tackle shop is a good starting point for bait, but if time permits, involving young anglers in digging up earthworms or catching crickets and small grasshoppers deepens the angling experience.
—David A. Brown, Field & Stream, 28 Feb. 2024
Named for the emergence of earthworms as the ground thaws, the worm moon is supposed to symbolize renewal and growth.
—The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024
According to stargazing app Star Walk, the lunar name marks the appearance of earthworms in the soil — a symbol of the forthcoming spring.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024
When European earthworms were introduced to North America, these non-native earthworms quickly invaded many North American soils.
—oregonlive, 26 Aug. 2023
Brian Darby, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024
In terms of agricultural significance, the Worm Moon is a positive sign for farmers and gardeners because active earthworms benefit soil health.
—The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024
Burping olms sometimes spat up parts of earthworm species that aren’t found underground, suggesting that the olms hunt during their forays topside.
—Elizabeth Anne Brown, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024
Take care: Use your hands to reach through the soil to limit the impact on the tiny creatures that help create a good growing medium, like earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024
The local tackle shop is a good starting point for bait, but if time permits, involving young anglers in digging up earthworms or catching crickets and small grasshoppers deepens the angling experience.
—David A. Brown, Field & Stream, 28 Feb. 2024
Named for the emergence of earthworms as the ground thaws, the worm moon is supposed to symbolize renewal and growth.
—The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024
According to stargazing app Star Walk, the lunar name marks the appearance of earthworms in the soil — a symbol of the forthcoming spring.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024
When European earthworms were introduced to North America, these non-native earthworms quickly invaded many North American soils.
—oregonlive, 26 Aug. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'earthworm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Earthworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthworm. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
earthworm
noun
earth·worm
-ˌwərm
: a long slender annelid worm that lives in damp earth, moves with the aid of bristles, and feeds on decaying organic matter
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