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

Matthew Aubuchon, national policy manager at the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, estimated that the Phoenix facility could produce up to 8 million moths per day with enough staff working around the clock.

From Los Angeles Times

A new species of moth was found in a home in south Wales after travelling thousands of miles in a photographer's boot bag.

From BBC

To some, the wasps, moths, ants and spiders that emerge may be considered mundane, or even a pest.

From BBC

On the other hand, Joshua trees rely solely on the yucca moth for pollination.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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