flatworm

noun

flat·​worm ˈflat-ˌwərm How to pronounce flatworm (audio)
: any of a phylum (Platyhelminthes) of soft-bodied usually much flattened acoelomate worms (such as the planarians, flukes, and tapeworms)

called also platyhelminth

Examples of flatworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The hammerhead worm, a ground-dwelling flatworm, is lethal to earthworms, which are responsible for distributing oxygen, draining water and creating space for plant roots. Greta Cross, USA Today, 14 June 2025 April showers may bring May flowers, but in Texas, heavy rains have brought something else entirely: Invasive hammerhead flatworms. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 16 June 2025 The new species belongs to a group of flatworms known as planarians, which are typically non-parasitic. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025 According to the Texas Invasive Species Institute, the flatworms can be killed with orange essence and salt and sprayed with vinegar or a combination of vinegar and citrus oil. Danielle Jennings, Peoplemag, 24 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for flatworm

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flatworm was in 1874

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Cite this Entry

“Flatworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatworm. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

flatworm

noun
flat·​worm -ˌwərm How to pronounce flatworm (audio)
: any of a phylum of simple worms (as planarians, flukes, or tapeworms) that have a soft flat body, lack a body cavity, and have bilateral symmetry

Medical Definition

flatworm

noun
flat·​worm ˈflat-ˌwərm How to pronounce flatworm (audio)
: any worm of the phylum Platyhelminthes : platyhelminth
especially : turbellarian

More from Merriam-Webster on flatworm

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