cutworm

cut·worm | \ ˈkət-ˌwərm

How to pronounce cutworm (audio)

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Definition of cutworm

: 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 Grizzlies, which are a type of brown bear, also like to spend their days turning over rocks in search of army cutworm moths. — Jason Bittel, Washington Post, "Think you know what bunnies and bears eat? Their diets may surprise you.," 22 Sep. 2019 One of the stranger animals that the bears eat must be army cutworm moths, also known as miller moths. — Douglas Main, National Geographic, "The most bizarre things grizzly bears eat, from elk to moths," 25 June 2019 At the end of the season, these tobacco plants had much less leaf damage than others from grasshoppers and cutworms. — Quanta Magazine, "The Secret Language of Plants," 16 Dec. 2013 These types actually combat a variety of pest species, including weevils, clearwing borers, cutworms, sod webworms, chinch bugs, and white grubs. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "What Are Nematodes? These Tiny Parasites Can Help — Or Hurt — Your Garden," 1 July 2018 Pests monitored: Pheromone lures are available for diamondback moths and moths that produce armyworms, cabbage loopers, corn earworms, European corn borers, tomato pinworms, and cutworms. — The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "The 7 Best Organic Pest Control Techniques For Your Garden," 18 Dec. 2017 Another possible pest, but far less visible, are winter cutworms (Noctua pronuba). — OregonLive.com, "Is clumping bamboo really not invasive? If not slugs, 'what is eating my perennials?' Ask an expert," 5 May 2018 Winter cutworms are invasive insects that were first seen in Oregon during 2001, then identified shortly after. — OregonLive.com, "Is clumping bamboo really not invasive? If not slugs, 'what is eating my perennials?' Ask an expert," 5 May 2018 These types of nematodes are effective against a variety of pest species including weevils, clearwing borers, cutworms, sod webworms, chinch bugs, and white grubs. — The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "What Are Nematodes? Are They Friendly Worms? Or Deadly Parasites?," 1 Mar. 2017

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

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Cite this Entry

“Cutworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutworm. Accessed 24 Feb. 2020.

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