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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An adventure with worms, good fat juicy old-time earthworms, moist and sexy and leaving their mucus on you. Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 The best way to encourage earthworms is to feed them nutrient-rich compost regularly, and adding your used tea leaves to the compost is a simple way to boost its organic structure. Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026 So, too, do simultaneous hermaphrodites, a collection of creatures that includes most species of land snails, slugs, and earthworms. Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 Low till or no till is critical for many reasons, including to retain soil moisture, to prevent weed seeds from getting to the surface and germinating, to preserve soil microbes, and to preserve soil invertebrates such as earthworms, beetles and others. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 29 May 2026 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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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