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

Known for its timid and gentle nature, the snake is semiaquatic and nocturnal, feeding on earthworms in captivity. —Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2025

Snakes, venomous or not, maintain the balance of nature by eating their prey, such as earthworms, rodents and even other snakes. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2025

To much surprise, under the rock was an earthworm and a tiny snake, according to the news release. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 25 July 2025

Barred owls are stocky, more aggressive and have an appetite for prey such as rats and voles as well as birds, reptiles, frogs, earthworms, fish and crustaceans. —The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 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