fall armyworm

noun

Updated on: 23 Feb 2018

Definition of fall armyworm

: a migratory American noctuid moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) that is destructive to grains and grasses as a larva

Recent Examples of fall armyworm from the Web

When just a hungry caterpillar, the fall armyworm will happily munch on more than 80 plant species.

— The Economist, "An army of worms is invading Africa," 18 Jan. 2018
There are reports that the fall armyworm has also reached Malawi, Mozambique and Namibia.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "A Very, Very Hungry Caterpillar Is Wreaking Havoc on Africa’s Crops," 28 Feb. 2017
The fall armyworm is a small, unassuming caterpillar that grows to just 1.5 inches long.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "A Very, Very Hungry Caterpillar Is Wreaking Havoc on Africa’s Crops," 28 Feb. 2017
The invasion of the fall armyworm is, naturally, causing considerable panic among African officials.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "A Very, Very Hungry Caterpillar Is Wreaking Havoc on Africa’s Crops," 28 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fall armyworm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.