tomato hornworm

noun

: a North American hawk moth (Manduca quinquemaculata) whose green larva is a hornworm feeding on leaves of plants of the nightshade family and especially tobacco and tomato

Examples of tomato hornworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Even better, these heat-loving annuals are known for repelling both tiny pests (like whiteflies, tomato hornworms, cabbage worms, and thrips) and large pests (like deer). Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2024 If possible, hand-pick pests such as tomato hornworms, in your vegetable garden. Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 31 July 2023 White, green and yellow striped tomato hornworms are the caterpillars of sphinx moths! Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2023 East of Cascades: Check for tomato hornworm. oregonlive, 1 Aug. 2022 What is a tomato hornworm? Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2022 Plant basil with them to repel tomato hornworm. Carol Stocker, BostonGlobe.com, 22 May 2022 Handpicking will usually control a tomato hornworm problem. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2022 Common pests include the tomato hornworm (a large green caterpillar that can be picked off by hand), aphids (which can be sprayed with a mild solution of soapy water), and whiteflies. Christopher Michel, Country Living, 19 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tomato hornworm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tomato hornworm was in 1921

Dictionary Entries Near tomato hornworm

Cite this Entry

“Tomato hornworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tomato%20hornworm. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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