maggot

noun

mag·​got ˈma-gət How to pronounce maggot (audio)
Synonyms of maggotnext
1
: a soft-bodied legless grub that is the larva of a dipterous insect (such as the housefly)
2
: a fantastic or eccentric idea : whim
maggoty adjective

Examples of maggot in a Sentence

The rotten meat was infested with maggots. the last maggot he got in his head resulted in a disastrous extramarital affair
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plus, parsley flowers repel certain chive pests, including the onion maggot. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2026 The parasitic bug resembling a housefly lays its eggs inside living animals like livestock, and the maggots hatched from those eggs burrow into their hosts and eat them alive. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 29 May 2026 One Dallas restaurant was temporarily closed during May 17-23 health inspections due to no hot water, and maggots, fruit flies and roaches were found at other establishments, according to data from the city compiled by the Star-Telegram. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026 The flea larvae, which look like tiny maggots, worm their way into the carpet or mattress, feeding on the flea dirt that their parents left behind, says Benson. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for maggot

Word History

Etymology

Middle English magot, probably alteration of mathek, maddok; akin to Middle Low German mēdeke maggot, Old Norse mathkr, Old English matha

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maggot was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maggot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maggot. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

maggot

noun
mag·​got ˈmag-ət How to pronounce maggot (audio)
: a soft-bodied legless larva of a two-winged fly (as the housefly)

Medical Definition

maggot

noun
mag·​got ˈmag-ət How to pronounce maggot (audio)
: a soft-bodied legless grub that is the larva of a dipteran fly (as the housefly) and develops usually in decaying organic matter or as a parasite in plants or animals

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