cutworm

noun cut·worm \ ˈkət-ˌwərm \

Definition of cutworm

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

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Recent Examples of cutworm from the Web

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
Syngenta invested over $100 million and 15 years in developing Viptera, which has a trait called MIR162 that protects against pests such as earworms, cutworms, armyworms and corn borers.

— Washington Post, "1st farmer lawsuit on deck against Syngenta over China trade," 5 June 2017
Syngenta invested over $100 million and 15 years in developing Viptera, which has a trait called MIR162 that protects against pests such as earworms, cutworms, armyworms and corn borers.

— Washington Post, "1st farmer lawsuit on deck against Syngenta over China trade," 5 June 2017
Syngenta invested over $100 million and 15 years in developing Viptera, which has a trait called MIR162 that protects against pests such as earworms, cutworms, armyworms and corn borers.

— Washington Post, "1st farmer lawsuit on deck against Syngenta over China trade," 5 June 2017
Syngenta invested over $100 million and 15 years in developing Viptera, which has a trait called MIR162 that protects against pests such as earworms, cutworms, armyworms and corn borers.

— Washington Post, "1st farmer lawsuit on deck against Syngenta over China trade," 5 June 2017
Syngenta invested over $100 million and 15 years in developing Viptera, which has a trait called MIR162 that protects against pests such as earworms, cutworms, armyworms and corn borers.

— Washington Post, "1st farmer lawsuit on deck against Syngenta over China trade," 5 June 2017
A typical menu includes slugs, snails and caterpillars including cutworms.

— sarah stolz, Cincinnati.com, "Fireflies can help control garden pests," 26 May 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.