earthworm

noun

earth·​worm ˈərth-ˌwərm How to pronounce earthworm (audio)
: a terrestrial annelid worm (class Oligochaeta)
especially : any of a family (Lumbricidae) of numerous widely distributed hermaphroditic worms that move through the soil by means of setae and feed on decaying organic matter

Examples of earthworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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After these glaciers melted about 12,000 years ago the more northern forests grew back without earthworms. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025 There are indications that the soil has been regenerated, with an improved structure and more earthworms, Wilkinson said. Lucy Handley, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025 Organic fertilizers and amendments that are incorporated and watered into our soil need to be broken down by the activity of millions of many species of tiny organisms, microbes, fungi, insects and earthworms in the soil. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025 Some of the animals are smaller than an earthworm, while others are longer than a pickup truck. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for earthworm

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthworm was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earthworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthworm. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

earthworm

noun
earth·​worm -ˌwərm How to pronounce earthworm (audio)
: a long slender annelid worm that lives in damp earth, moves with the aid of bristles, and feeds on decaying organic matter

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