gypsy moth

noun

1. a moth, Porthetria dispar, introduced into the U.S. from Europe, the larvae of which feed on the foliage of shade and other trees.

gypsy moth

noun

1. a variant spelling of gipsy moth

Word History and Origins

Origin of gypsy moth¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Already the gypsy moth in the East is being fought in this way.

From Project Gutenberg

Into the orchard, for instance, had come the San José scale; into the wood-lot had crawled the gypsy-moth—human blunders!

From Project Gutenberg

Fortunately the caterpillar of the terribly destructive gypsy moth is another favourite dainty.

From Project Gutenberg

Cat-birds, cuckoos and orioles are very important enemies of gypsy moth.

From Project Gutenberg

The gypsy moth, which did no great harm in its European home, was brought to this country and accidentally set free.

From Project Gutenberg