earwig

[ eer-wig ]

noun

1. any of numerous elongate, nocturnal insects of the order Dermaptera, having a pair of large, movable pincers at the rear of the abdomen.

verb (used with object)

, ear·wigged, ear·wig·ging.

1. to fill the mind of with prejudice by insinuations.

earwig

/ ˈɪəˌwɪɡ /

noun

1. any of various insects of the order Dermaptera, esp Forficula auricularia ( common European earwig ), which typically have an elongated body with small leathery forewings, semicircular membranous hindwings, and curved forceps at the tip of the abdomen

verb

1. informal.
   to eavesdrop
2. archaic.
   tr to attempt to influence (a person) by private insinuation

Word History and Origins

Origin of earwig¹

before 1000; Middle English erwigge, Old English ēarwicga ear insect; from the notion that it enters people's ears. See wiggle

Word History and Origins

Origin of earwig¹

Old English ēarwicga, from ēare ear ¹+ wicga beetle, insect; probably from a superstition that the insect crept into human ears

Example Sentences

That said, it seems that if earwigs were regularly holed up in ears, science would have more evidence of it.

From Popular-Science

As a kid, you might have first encountered earwigs as a kind of playground mythological creature.

From Popular-Science

(i) Reincarnation, as an earwig, or a Hottentot, or an emperor.

From Project Gutenberg

I cannot really believe I am going to be an earwig or an emperor.

From Project Gutenberg

What shall I, this Me, do when I am an earwig or an emperor?

From Project Gutenberg

The care of the earwig not only extends to her eggs, but also to her young larv.

From Project Gutenberg

A name which excites anything but agreeable associations is Earwig.

From Project Gutenberg