moth

noun

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\ ˈmȯth

plural moths\ ˈmȯt͟hz

, ˈmȯths

Definition of moth

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

Other Words from moth Example Sentences Phrases Containing moth Learn More About moth

Examples of moth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The browntail moth is native to Europe and neighboring countries in Asia and Africa. — CBS News, 26 Feb. 2022 After months of decisions, the moth finally has a new name. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Mar. 2022 The fund would help communities combat the browntail moth, which has been the subject of an ongoing outbreak in the state that began about seven years ago. — Fox News, 7 Feb. 2022 After a six-moth search, the Whitefish Bay Police Commission voted unanimously Nov. 2 to appoint Patrick Whitaker as the village's new police chief. — Eddie Morales, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2021 Her marveling at its majesty is striking, moving readers to ponder fresh violets popping up in their own yards or to wonder what an Emperor moth looks like in person. — Sarah Schutte, National Review, 27 Feb. 2022 After choosing an appropriate variety, the next step is to be vigilant about monitoring for insect pests – like the ubiquitous coddling moth – with pheromone traps, which can be purchased from farm stores or online. — oregonlive, 17 Jan. 2022 Each of Lucy’s twin circular wings stretches 24 feet across, dwarfing the spacecraft tucked in the middle like the body of a moth. — NBC News, 15 Oct. 2021 Set out an Indian meal moth pheromone trap, available at big box retailers, in your kitchen to trap the males. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 25 May 2021 See More

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near moth

motey

moth

mothball

Statistics for moth

Last Updated

12 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moth. Accessed 20 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for moth

moth

noun

\ ˈmȯth

plural moths\ ˈmȯt͟hz , ˈmȯths \

Kids Definition of moth

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