earthworm

noun

earth·​worm ˈərth-ˌwərm How to pronounce earthworm (audio)
: 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
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Low till or no till is critical for many reasons, including to retain soil moisture, to prevent weed seeds from getting to the surface and germinating, to preserve soil microbes, and to preserve soil invertebrates such as earthworms, beetles and others. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 Johnson, who works on worm composting using his school cafeteria’s food waste, donated his earthworm castings for the young trees to be planted in organic, fertilizer-rich soil. Daily News, 20 May 2026 The wetland habitats of Condylura cristata are rich in small-bodied invertebrates — earthworms, leeches, aquatic insect larvae — but the individual caloric value of each prey item is low. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 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 See All Example Sentences for earthworm

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthworm was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earthworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthworm. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

earthworm

noun
earth·​worm -ˌwərm How to pronounce earthworm (audio)
: 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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