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

Hammerhead worms are known predators of our friendly neighborhood earthworms and should be killed to protect them. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 16 June 2025

Moles eat insects, snail larvae, spiders, and small invertebrates, but their favorite foods are earthworms and white grubs. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 June 2025

The hammerhead worm, a ground-dwelling flatworm, is lethal to earthworms, which are responsible for distributing oxygen, draining water and creating space for plant roots. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 14 June 2025

Most of the earthworms in these areas are invasive species introduced from Europe and Asia. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 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