inchworm

noun

inch·​worm ˈinch-ˌwərm 

: looper sense 1

Did you know?

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

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

Similar to the inchworm, this move is great to start up or finish off your workout. —Men's Health, 13 Jan. 2023

Do the inchworm for 20 seconds, then rest 10 seconds before returning to the top. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 28 May 2022

Do the squat jack for 20 seconds, then rest 10 seconds before moving onto the inchworm. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 28 May 2022

This single-leg inchworm builds on all of that and provides more unilateral work to build balanced strength, mobility, and flexibility. —Rozalynn S. Frazier, SELF, 30 Dec. 2021

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1861, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inchworm

noun

inch·​worm ˈinch-ˌwərm 

: looper sense 1