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moth

noun \ ˈmȯth \
|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

Definition of moth

plural moths play \ˈmȯt͟hz, ˈmȯths\
1 : clothes moth
2 : any of various usually nocturnal lepidopteran insects with antennae that are often feathery, with a stouter body, duller coloring, and proportionately smaller wings than the butterflies, and with larvae that are plant-eating caterpillars
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mothlike

play \-ˌlīk\ adjective
—

mothy

play \ˈmȯ-thē\ adjective

See moth defined for English-language learners

See moth defined for kids

Recent Examples of moth from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of moth

Middle English mothe, from Old English moththe; akin to Middle High German motte moth

Other Insect Terms

drone, entomology, gadfly, pismire, proboscis, vespine

MOTH Defined for English Language Learners

moth

noun

Definition of moth for English Language Learners

  • : a kind of insect that is similar to a butterfly but that flies mostly at night and is usually less colorful

MOTH Defined for Kids

moth

noun \ ˈmȯth \

Definition of moth for Students

plural moths \ˈmȯt͟hz, ˈmȯths\
: an insect that usually flies at night and has mostly feathery antennae and stouter body, duller coloring, and smaller wings than the related butterflies

Learn More about moth

  1. See words that rhyme with moth Spanish Central: Translation of moth Nglish: Translation of moth for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of moth for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about moth

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