silkworm

noun silk·worm \-ˌwərm\

: a caterpillar that produces silk which is used to make thread or cloth

Full Definition of SILKWORM

: a moth whose larva spins a large amount of strong silk in constructing its cocoon; especially : an Asian moth (Bombyx mori of the family Bombycidae) whose rough wrinkled hairless caterpillar produces the silk of commerce

See silkworm defined for English-language learners

See silkworm defined for kids

First Known Use of SILKWORM

before 12th century

Rhymes with SILKWORM

affirm, bagworm, bloodworm, bookworm, budworm, confirm, cutworm, deworm, dew worm, earthworm, eelworm, flatworm, glowworm, heartworm, hookworm, hornworm, inchworm, infirm, long-term, lugworm, lungworm, midterm, pinworm, ringworm, roundworm, sandworm, screwworm, short-term, tapeworm, webworm, woodworm

SILKWORM Defined for Kids

silkworm

noun silk·worm \ˈsilk-ˌwərm\

Definition of SILKWORM for Kids

: a yellowish caterpillar that is the larva of an Asian moth (silk moth or silkworm moth), is raised in captivity on mulberry leaves, and produces a strong silk that is the silk most used for thread or cloth