hellgrammite

noun

hell·gram·mite ˈhel-grə-ˌmīt

: a carnivorous aquatic North American insect larva that is the young form of a dobsonfly (especially Corydalis cornutus) and is used for fish bait

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web With rubber legs galore, a squirrel tail wing and a squishy chenille body, the bream killer looks like the love child between a hellgrammite and a tarantula. —

T. Edward Nickens, Field & Stream, 12 Mar. 2020 The lure may imitate a hellgrammite or a crawfish, or perhaps a small baitfish feeding head down. —

Frank Sargeant, al, 1 Sep. 2019

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

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of hellgrammite was in 1866

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hellgrammite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hellgrammite. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

hellgrammite

noun

hell·gram·mite ˈhel-grə-ˌmīt

: the larva of a dobsonfly that lives in water and is much used as fish bait

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