cutworm

noun

cut·​worm ˈkət-ˌwərm 

: any of various smooth-bodied chiefly nocturnal noctuid moth caterpillars which often feed on young plant stems near ground level

Examples of cutworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Moths metamorphose from army cutworm caterpillars on the Great Plains in March and take off for western Colorado’s mountains in late spring, making pit stops on the Front Range during their journey, according to the Colorado State University Extension. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 5 June 2025

Be on the lookout for cabbage loopers, aphids, and cutworms. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025

Protect seedlings from cutworms. Cutworms are the caterpillars of certain species of moths that crawl along the soil line and chew through tender seedling stems in spring. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024

Also, be on the lookout for aphids, cutworms, woodchucks, and rabbits, which attack seedlings. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cutworm

• variegated cutworm

Rhymes for cutworm

• affirm
• bookworm
• confirm
• earthworm
• infirm
• midterm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm
• echinoderm
• berm
• ferm

Kids Definition

cutworm

noun

cut·​worm ˈkət-ˌwərm 

: any of various smooth-bodied nocturnal moth caterpillars that usually feed on plants