English Explanatory Dictionary

earthworm

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A worm that lives in the ground.
  2. A worm of the family Lumbricidae, or, more generally, of the suborder Lumbricina.
  3. A contemptible person; a groveller.

Pronunciation

/ˈɜː(ɹ)θˌwɜː(ɹ)m/ en-us-earthworm.ogg

Word forms

earthworm earthworms

Etymology

From Middle English erthe-worm, erþe-worm, erþe worm (also as worm of þe erthe, worm of þe erþe), equivalent to earth + worm. Compare Saterland Frisian Äidwurm (“earthworm”), West Frisian ierdwjirm (“earthworm”), Dutch aardworm (“earthworm”), less common German Erdwurm (“earthworm”).

Synonyms

rainworm groundworm wiggler red worm red wiggler nightwalker nightcrawler dew worm

Derived words

earthworm eel giant Gippsland earthworm
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