mealworm

noun

meal·​worm ˈmēl-ˌwərm 

: the larva of a darkling beetle (especially genus Tenebrio) that infests grain products but is often raised as food for insectivorous animals, for laboratory use, or as fishing bait

Examples of mealworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Whenever the birds chose correctly, researchers rewarded them with a tasty snack, either a mealworm or a bird seed pellet. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025

That family includes the beetle species whose larvae, called mealworms, are commonly sold as feed for pet reptiles and birds. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 10 May 2025

Then again, mealworm jam might become the next viral sensation everyone is eager to try, potentially leading to shortages in the coming years! —Oyku Ilgar, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

While farmed chickens and pigs have received the sympathetic Hollywood treatment, like the Chicken Run movies, Charlotte’s Web, and Okja, similar films about shrimp or mealworms don’t seem to be in the offing. —Kenny Torrella, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mealworm

• eelworm

Kids Definition

mealworm

noun

meal·​worm -ˌwərm 

: any of various small brownish larvae of various beetles that live in grain products and are often raised as food for insect-eating animals or as bait