earthworm

noun

earth·​worm ˈərth-ˌwərm 

: 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

Recent Examples on the Web

Moles are solitary insectivores that eat earthworms and grubs to fuel their high energy needs. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

Healthy soil is alive with creatures, from earthworms to beneficial fungi, bacteria, and other microbes. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026

Those living roots carry minerals down into the earth to create a thriving subterranean ecosystem–fungi, earthworms, nitrogen–biodiversity–on this storied 1,000 acre plot of land; the largest tea farm in Korea on this tiny island. — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Many birds subsist on bugs, including grubs, earthworms, and flying insects. — The Spruce, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for earthworm

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

Kids Definition

earthworm

noun

earth·​worm -ˌwərm 

: a long slender annelid worm that lives in damp earth, moves with the aid of bristles, and feeds on decaying organic matter