Definition of EARTHWORM

earthworm

Meanings

Plural: earthworms

Noun

  • terrestrial worm that burrows into and helps aerate soil; often surfaces when the ground is cool or wet; used as bait by anglers
  • A worm that lives in the ground.
  • A worm of the family Lumbricidae, or, more generally, of the suborder Lumbricina.
  • A contemptible person; a groveller.

Origin / 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

angleworm, crawler, dew worm, fishing worm, fishworm, groundworm, nightcrawler, nightwalker, rainworm, red wiggler, red worm, wiggler

Scrabble Score: 17

earthworm is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
earthworm is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
earthworm is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 17

earthworm is a valid Words With Friends word