plural moths ˈmȯt͟hz How to pronounce moth (audio) ˈmȯths How to pronounce moth (audio)
1
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 Long before Mansi delivers a lecture on the specifics of her studies and their overlap with global climate change, the moths feel monumentally important, and deeply connected to us. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 The new paper notes that grain moths can be a host species for Habrobracon hebetor, a parasitoid wasp that lays its eggs in the moth’s larvae. Popular Science, 15 Feb. 2024 The moths have long, almost eyelash-like antennae coming off their heads. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2024 The moth had been drawn in by crypto and lost everything. Simon Rich, The New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2024 Normally, a moth is not a particularly frightening sight. Popular Science, 15 Feb. 2024 Found in various habitats, these moths are important pollinators and harmless to humans and pets. The Arizona Republic, 14 Feb. 2024 Grape leaf skeletonizer moths Moths with translucent wings and green bodies. The Arizona Republic, 14 Feb. 2024 Agriculture specialists took samples from the shipments to look for disease and hitchhiking pests, including beetles, grasshoppers, wasps and moths. Patricia Mazzei Scott McIntyre, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'moth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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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