plural moths ˈmȯt͟hz How to pronounce moth (audio) ˈmȯths How to pronounce moth (audio)
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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
mothlike adjective
mothy adjective

Examples of moth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In June 2023, Theo Bosboom heard about an explosive proliferation of willow ermine moth caterpillars along the river Waal near Boven-Leeuwen, Netherlands, not far from his hometown. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, fall into this category, as do vanda orchids. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2024 The spotted lanternfly enters the adult moth stage during the late summer and fall. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2024 Meal moths have a similar appearance but are about ½-inch in length. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for moth 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moth was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near moth

Cite this Entry

“Moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moth. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

moth

noun
plural moths ˈmȯt͟hz How to pronounce moth (audio) ˈmȯths How to pronounce moth (audio)
: any of a group of night-flying insects that are lepidopterans often with duller coloring, stouter bodies, and smaller wings than the related butterflies and with antennae which are often feathery

More from Merriam-Webster on moth

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