moth

[ mawth, moth ]

noun

, plural moths [maw, th, z, mo, th, z, mawths, moths].

1. any of numerous insects of the order Lepidoptera, generally distinguished from the butterflies by having feathery antennae and by having crepuscular or nocturnal habits.
2. clothes moth.

moth

/ mɒθ /

noun

1. any of numerous insects of the order Lepidoptera that typically have stout bodies with antennae of various shapes (but not clubbed), including large brightly coloured species, such as hawk moths, and small inconspicuous types, such as the clothes moths Compare butterfly

Other Words From

• de·moth verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of moth¹

before 950; Middle English motthe, Old English moththe; akin to German Motte, Old Norse motti

Word History and Origins

Origin of moth¹

Old English moththe; compare Middle Dutch motte, Old Norse motti

Example Sentences

An experimental program seeks to protect California almond trees from a pesky moth by using X-rays to sterilize the insects.

From Los Angeles Times

The tourism software developer, who is moving to Senegal next moth, says by going to set up a business in West Africa, she is showing she has not forgotten her heritage - though her brother Abdoul, who like her was born in Paris, is not convinced.

From BBC

It attracts trolls as a flame does a moth, lures them inside, and sets them loose in an environment full of products that will tickle them.

From Slate

An experimental program seeks to protect California almond trees from a pesky moth by using X-rays to sterilize the insects.

From Los Angeles Times

It meant she could finally enjoy her 60th birthday present - a flight in a Tiger Moth aeroplane, having been over the maximum weight limit before.

From BBC

Related Words

• ant
• aphid
• bee
• beetle
• butterfly
• cockroach
• dragonfly
• flea
• fruit fly
• gnat
• grasshopper
• ladybug
• mite
• mosquito
• pest
• spider
• termite
• tick