borer

noun

bor·​er ˈbȯr-ər How to pronounce borer (audio)
1
: a tool used for boring
2
a
b
: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In 2003 one such species, the polyphagus shothole borer (PSHB), was spotted in Whittier, a suburb of Los Angeles. Guest, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2015 Emerald ash borer is similarly killing millions of ash trees across Michigan. Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 27 Feb. 2023 Hire a certified arborist to remove weak or dead branches, check for borer infestations, structural integrity, and so on. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2022 The hotheaded naked ice borer now has its own Wikipedia page and appears on lists of the greatest hoaxes of all time. Paul Hoffman, Discover Magazine, 20 Oct. 2011 The foliage cools the trees and keeps moisture around for longer, while potentially hosting the birds and ants that prey on coffee borer beetles. Leslie Nemo, Discover Magazine, 24 Mar. 2021 The ash borer is not the only species devastating U.S. forests. Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 13 Aug. 2019 Chalara fraxinea and Xylella fastidiosa outbreaks in Europe; Emerald ash borer and Polyphagus shothole borer threats in the US), and Curio can only do this with your help. Citizen Science Salon, Discover Magazine, 18 Nov. 2018 The emerald Ash borer is prohibited in Michigan and detected in Michigan's Upper Penisula but established in Michigan's Lower Penisula. Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press, 29 Oct. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'borer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near borer

Cite this Entry

“Borer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/borer. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

borer

noun
bor·​er ˈbōr-ər How to pronounce borer (audio)
ˈbȯr-
1
: one that bores
especially : a tool used for boring
2
a
b
: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY