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

Miller moths, or adult army cutworms, migrate to the mountains every spring in search of flowers for nectar. — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 25 May 2026

Create a wide buffer of bare, dry soil around the garden to discourage more cutworms from entering. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

Plant it at the edge of your garden or near your other fruits and vegetables to discourage cutworms, cabbage worms, slugs, snails, and aphids. — Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 19 Apr. 2026

Parsley flowers also attract tachinid flies, which feed on legume pests, including cutworms. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cutworm

• variegated cutworm

Rhymes for cutworm

• affirm
• bookworm
• budworm
• confirm
• earthworm
• infirm
• midterm
• ringworm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm
• echinoderm

Kids Definition

cutworm

noun

cut·​worm ˈkət-ˌwərm 

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