codling moth

noun

: a small tortricid moth (Cydia pomonella) having larvae that live in apples, pears, quinces, and English walnuts

Examples of codling moth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The biological material, spinosad, is quite effective on both the codling moth and the apple maggot (which shows up in late June). oregonlive, 25 Feb. 2023 The codling moth may be the most damaging insect in home orchards of apples, pears, plums and walnuts. oregonlive, 30 Apr. 2022 Check for root weevils in ornamental shrubs and flowers; codling moth and spider mite in apple trees; scale insects in camellias, holly and maples. oregonlive, 1 Aug. 2022 Place pheromone traps in apple trees to detect presence of codling moth. oregonlive, 1 May 2022 Remove and dispose of windfall apples that might be harboring apple maggot or codling moth larvae. oregonlive, 1 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'codling moth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of codling moth was in 1749

Dictionary Entries Near codling moth

Cite this Entry

“Codling moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codling%20moth. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

codling moth

noun
cod·​ling moth
ˈkäd-liŋ-
: a small moth whose larva lives in fruit and nuts and is a serious pest of orchard-grown crops (as apples, pears, plums, and walnuts)

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