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

As soon as temperatures start to rise, insects, earthworms and microorganisms go back to work with accelerated activity. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 30 Dec. 2025

In the soil in his palm, an earthworm wriggled. —Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025

Like the real, live earthworms in her mouth on the cover art, the songs writhe and slide like invertebrates. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025

Even just 1 to 2 inches of compost spread over your beds helps replenish nutrients, build soil structure, and perk up beneficial soil microbes and earthworm populations that make gardens thrive. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for earthworm

• affirm
• bookworm
• confirm
• cutworm
• infirm
• midterm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm
• echinoderm
• berm
• ferm

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