silkworm

noun

silk·​worm ˈsilk-ˌwərm 

: a moth whose larva spins a large amount of strong silk in constructing its cocoon

especially : an Asian moth (Bombyx mori of the family Bombycidae) whose rough wrinkled hairless caterpillar produces the silk of commerce

Examples of silkworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even with transgenic silkworms, maintaining uniform fiber quality across millions of cocoons is a massive logistical challenge. —New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2025

She’s also been busy renovating the historic cellars and restoring heritage buildings, such as a former silkworm farm, alongside acquiring vineyards in prestigious areas like La Morra. —Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Inside were two of the silkworms that had spun the silk for her wedding dress. —Nicole Briese, People.com, 29 July 2025

When observing a silkworm, it could be said that the spinning of the web can be as beautiful as the web itself, that the work itself is the thing. —Ed Simon july 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

silkworm

noun

silk·​worm ˈsil-ˌkwərm 

: any of various moth larvae that spin a large amount of silk to make a cocoon

especially : a wrinkled hairless yellowish caterpillar that is the larva of an Asian moth, is raised in captivity on mulberry leaves, and produces a strong silk that is the silk most often used for thread or cloth