wormhole

noun

worm·​hole ˈwərm-ˌhōl 

1

: a hole or passage burrowed by a worm

2

: a hypothetical structure of space-time envisioned as a tunnel connecting points that are separated in space and time

Did you know?

If you associate wormhole with quantum physics and sci-fi, you'll probably be surprised to learn that the word has been around since William Shakespeare's day. To Shakespeare, a "wormhole" was simply a hole made by a worm, but even the Bard subtly linked wormholes to the passage of time; for example, in the poem The Rape of Lucrece, he notes time's destructive power "to fill with worm-holes stately monuments." To modern astrophysicists, a wormhole isn't a tunnel wrought by a slimy invertebrate, but a theoretical tunnel between two black holes or other points in space-time, providing a shortcut between its end points.

Examples of wormhole in a Sentence

We found tiny wormholes in the potatoes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Being this kind of standard-issue Democrat, doing great work in New York cleaning up the Hudson River, but then falling down these wormholes of conspiracy theories that are just honestly outrageous, unproven, and slightly crazy and dangerous. Slightly crazy and dangerous? —Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2024

Myriad theories about aliens, wormholes, government cover-ups, and time travel are proffered by a menagerie of weirdos—fanatical researchers, ex-government officials, huckster media personalities. —Lucas Ropek / Gizmodo, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024

Artists like Olivia Rodrigo have sent new generations down Spotify wormholes that lead to bands like Hey Monday, and nostalgia tours are packing arenas (and driving TikTok trends). —Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 15 Feb. 2024

Did my passport fall out of my backpack or disappear into a wormhole? —Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024

Monica sacrifices herself to close it, trapping herself on the other side of the wormhole. —EW.com, 10 Nov. 2023

However, wormholes remain theoretical: Scientists have yet to spot one. —Adi Foord, University Of Maryland, Discover Magazine, 17 Nov. 2023

Where the hub should be is just a yawning hole ringed by irregular steel ridges, looking for all the world like the portal of a wormhole generator. —WIRED, 3 Oct. 2023

One concept involves wormholes, or hypothetical tunnels in space that could create shortcuts for journeys across the universe. —Adi Foord, University Of Maryland, Discover Magazine, 17 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

wormhole

noun

worm·​hole ˈwərm-ˌhōl 

1

: a hole or passage made by a worm

2

: a hypothetical object that is thought of as a tunnel connecting points that are widely separated in space and time