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

An adventure with worms, good fat juicy old-time earthworms, moist and sexy and leaving their mucus on you. — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

So, too, do simultaneous hermaphrodites, a collection of creatures that includes most species of land snails, slugs, and earthworms. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

The best way to encourage earthworms is to feed them nutrient-rich compost regularly, and adding your used tea leaves to the compost is a simple way to boost its organic structure. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026

Unlike earthworms, which enrich the soil, Asian Jumping Worms devour everything, stripping soil and damaging plant roots. — Maria Braganini, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for earthworm

• affirm
• bookworm
• budworm
• confirm
• cutworm
• infirm
• midterm
• ringworm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm
• echinoderm

Kids 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