Definition of corn borer
: any of several insects that bore in the stalks or ears of corn: such as
a : an Old World moth (Ostrinia nubilalis) widespread in eastern and central North America where its larva is a major pest in the stems, crowns, and fruits of crop plants and especially corn
— called also European corn borer
b : a pyralid moth (Diatraea grandiosella) whose larva causes serious damage especially to corn crops by boring in the stalks
— called also southwestern corn borer
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on corn borer
What made you want to look up corn borer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
- Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your h...
Take the quiz - True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quiz - SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share corn borer
Time Traveler for corn borer
The first known use of corn borer was in 1853
See more words from the same year