plural moths ˈmȯt͟hz How to pronounce moth (audio) ˈmȯths How to pronounce moth (audio)
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: 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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Oaks trees support a wide variety of butterfly and moth caterpillars, which in turn feed birds. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025 After spending about five years transitioning through various caterpillar phases, these spectacular creatures live just two days as moths. Lauren Liebhaber september 9, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 Wooly bear caterpillars are a great example of a moth that relies on leaf litter. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 Beware of box tree moths At the top of this list is a severe problem everyone with boxwood shrubs should be concerned about. Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 30 Aug. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moth. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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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