borer

noun

bor·​er ˈbȯr-ər 

1

: a tool used for boring

2

a

: shipworm

b

: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants

Examples of borer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unusually for insects, the polyphagous shot-hole borer does not require a male to produce offspring. — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

These ⅛-inch wide holes are left behind when adult borers emerge after winter. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

For this same reason, summer squash plants that experienced early generations of squash bugs or vine borers might be best removed at this point, instead of utilizing their space for quick-growing fall root crops or leafy greens. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing borer

• corn borer
• emerald ash borer
• European corn borer
• lesser cornstalk borer
• lesser peach tree borer
• peach tree borer
• southwestern corn borer

Rhymes for borer

• corer
• horror
• maurer
• scorer
• storer
• explorer
• restorer

Kids Definition

borer

noun

bor·​er ˈbōr-ər 

ˈbȯr-

1

: one that bores

especially : a tool used for boring

2

a

: shipworm

b

: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants