earthworm

noun

earth·​worm ˈərth-ˌwərm How to pronounce earthworm (audio)
: a terrestrial annelid worm (class Oligochaeta)
especially : any of a family (Lumbricidae) of numerous widely distributed hermaphroditic worms that move through the soil by means of setae and feed on decaying organic matter

Examples of earthworm in a Sentence

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March’s full month is called the worm moon, which was once considered a reference to the earthworms that emerge when soil temperatures being to climb in the springtime. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 28 Feb. 2026 The Old Farmer's Almanac, which began publishing full moon names in the 1930s, explains that March's full moon is called the worm moon because earthworms begin to reappear as the ground thaws at the end of winter. ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026 It was once believed the Worm Moon's name was derived from earthworms wriggling through March's warming soil, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, which heralded the first signs of spring as birds returned to feast on them. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Feb. 2026 Critters that do eat coffee grounds are earthworms. Joan Morris, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for earthworm

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthworm was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earthworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthworm. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

earthworm

noun
earth·​worm -ˌwərm How to pronounce earthworm (audio)
: a long slender annelid worm that lives in damp earth, moves with the aid of bristles, and feeds on decaying organic matter

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