palmerworm

noun

palm·​er·​worm ˈpä-mər-ˌwərm How to pronounce palmerworm (audio)
ˈpäl-,
ˈpȯ-,
ˈpȯl-
: a caterpillar that suddenly appears in great numbers devouring herbage

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of palmerworm was in 1560

Browse Nearby Words

Palmerston North
palmerworm
palmery
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Palmerworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palmerworm. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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