inchworm

noun

inch·​worm ˈinch-ˌwərm How to pronounce inchworm (audio)

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The larva of any member of a large, widespread group of moths is called an inchworm. Also called loopers, inchworms move in a characteristic “inching” or “looping” gait by extending the front part of the body and bringing the rear up to meet it. Resembling twigs or leaf stems, they feed on foliage and can seriously damage or even destroy trees.

Examples of inchworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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To become an inchworm. Country Living, 31 Mar. 2023 Another unremarkable caterpillar—a tiny brown inchworm—represented not just a new species but possibly a new genus. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023 The device is built from a strip of light-responsive polymer that arcs and straightens akin to an inchworm, while liquid crystal elastomers and synthetic magnet patches mimic on either end geckos’ gravity-defying grip. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2023 The simulated and real robots can use shape change to switch between rolling gaits and inchworm gaits, to locomote in multiple environments. IEEE Spectrum, 23 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for inchworm 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inchworm was circa 1861

Dictionary Entries Near inchworm

Cite this Entry

“Inchworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inchworm. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

inchworm

noun
inch·​worm ˈinch-ˌwərm How to pronounce inchworm (audio)

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