peppered moth
noun
: a European geometrid moth (Biston betularia) that typically has white wings with small black specks but also occurs as a solid black form especially in areas where the air is heavily polluted by industry
Examples of peppered moth in a Sentence
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Until recently, the most famous example of rapid evolution was the story of the peppered moth.
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Vaughn Cooper, Quartz, 10 Sep. 2021
After the Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968 were passed in the U.K., air quality improved, and the peppered moth slowly reverted to its paler form.
—Cal Flyn, WSJ, 3 June 2021
Their conclusions are backed up by other studies of evolution, such as in Darwin's finches, or the peppered moth.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2018
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Vaughn Cooper, Quartz, 10 Sep. 2021
After the Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968 were passed in the U.K., air quality improved, and the peppered moth slowly reverted to its paler form.
—Cal Flyn, WSJ, 3 June 2021
Their conclusions are backed up by other studies of evolution, such as in Darwin's finches, or the peppered moth.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Peppered moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peppered%20moth. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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