Definition of earthworm
: 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
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Recent Examples of earthworm from the Web
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Sea cucumbers are critical to marine ecosystems all over the world, cleaning the sea floor of small particles and waste materials and turning them into nutrients that other creatures can use, much like earthworms on land.
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But perhaps its most remarkable creature is a gentle, extremely delicate colossus few have had the privilege of glimpsing: the giant Gippsland earthworm, which can grow to some 6 feet long.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'earthworm'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of earthworm
14th century
EARTHWORM Defined for English Language Learners
earthworm
playDefinition of earthworm for English Language Learners
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: a long worm that lives in damp soil
EARTHWORM Defined for Kids
earthworm
playDefinition of earthworm for Students
: a worm that has a long body made up of similar segments and lives in damp soil
Learn More about earthworm
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See words that rhyme with earthworm Spanish Central: Translation of earthworm Nglish: Translation of earthworm for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about earthworm
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