roundworm

noun

round·​worm ˈrau̇nd-ˌwərm 

: nematode

also : a related round-bodied unsegmented worm (such as a spiny-headed worm) as distinguished from a flatworm

Examples of roundworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Raccoons can also carry roundworm in their droppings and spread leptospirosis through infected urine or contaminated soil. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025

She was accused of bringing biological materials related to roundworms into the United States for her research work. —Christina Hall, Freep.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Common types include tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.3 Protozoa: These parasites are single-celled and commonly infect humans through mosquitoes. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 8 Aug. 2025

Wen: Globally, the most common intestinal parasitic worm to cause human infections is a type of roundworm that causes the infection ascariasis. —Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1558, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

roundworm

noun

round·​worm ˈrau̇n-ˌdwərm 

: a nematode worm (as a hookworm)

also : a related round-bodied worm without segments as compared to a flatworm

Medical Definition

roundworm

noun

round·​worm ˈrau̇n-ˌdwərm 

: nematode

also : a related round-bodied unsegmented worm (as an acanthocephalan) as distinguished from a flatworm