cabbageworm

[ kab-ij-wurm ]

noun

1. a caterpillar, especially of the genus Pieris, that feeds on cabbages. cabbage.

cabbageworm

/ ˈkæbɪdʒˌwɜːm /

noun

1. any caterpillar that feeds on cabbages, esp that of the cabbage white

Word History and Origins

Origin of cabbageworm¹

First recorded in 1680–90; cabbage ¹ + worm

Example Sentences

Garden pests are often highly specialized and named after their favorite food: cabbageworm, corn earworm, tomato hornworm, Colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetle, pea weevil, pepper maggot, Mexican bean beetle, and so on.

From Salon

Thorough cleanup, pulling plants and removing them to a distance can reduce overwintering opportunities for common opponents — that includes squash bugs; Brassica pests, such as various cabbageworm species; and cucumber and bean beetles.

From New York Times