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

Tradition Now holds workshops in Lefkara—participants learn about Cypriot silkworm cocoon embroidery while creating bags. —Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

The design is based on the silkworm moth, which can still find mates using pheromones even after losing one antenna. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026

Originally introduced into the United States as food for a silkworm industry that never took off, the fruitless white mulberry (Morus alba) quickly became popular as a shade tree for home landscapes. —Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Feb. 2026

During times of peace, the barracks have served a diverse array of functions: The barracks were a supply depot for the Lewis and Clark expedition west after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803; in the late 1800s, a pair of merchants raised silkworms there. —Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2026

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