pinworm

noun

pin·​worm ˈpin-ˌwərm 

1

: any of numerous small nematode worms (family Oxyuridae) that infest the intestines and especially the cecum of various vertebrates

especially : a worm (Enterobius vermicularis) parasitic in humans

2

: any of several rather slender insect larvae that burrow in plant tissue

Examples of pinworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, the medication mebendazole starves pinworms by stopping them from absorbing glucose. — Sarah Boden, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026

The types of roundworms typically in humans include pinworms and ascariasis, but can be treated with medication. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Dec. 2025

These methods sort through the DNA in a sample looking for specific genes that are signatures of parasites like pinworms, as well as bacterial pathogens. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025

Kayce Bell, assistant curator of mammalogy at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, studies parasites in chipmunks, including intestinal parasites called pinworms. — Kate Golembiewski, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pinworm

noun

pin·​worm -ˌwərm 

: any of numerous small roundworms that infest the intestines of various vertebrates

especially : one that infests human beings

Medical Definition

pinworm

noun

pin·​worm ˈpin-ˌwərm 

: any of numerous small nematode worms of the family Oxyuridae that have the tail of the female prolonged into a sharp point and infest the intestines and especially the cecum of various vertebrates

especially : a worm of the genus Enterobius (E. vermicularis) that is parasitic in humans