woolly worm

noun

, Midland U.S.

1. woolly bear.

Word History and Origins

Origin of woolly worm¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

Dr. Lackmann doesn’t deny animals can probably sense oncoming extreme weather, but can a woolly worm forecast far into the future?

From New York Times

I asked these scientists what makes a fast woolly worm.

From New York Times

The founder of the festival, Jim Morton, heard about the woolly worm and thought, why not give it a shot?

From New York Times

There’s also no particular reason the fastest woolly worm is best at predicting the weather.

From New York Times

If you can’t make it to North Carolina’s High Country, there are other woolly worm festivals around the country.

From New York Times