moth

[mawth, moth]

noun

plural

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 Word Forms

• demoth 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

While some gleefully joined in the mauling, others were attracted to the film like moths to a flame.

From BBC

The researchers did a series of carefully controlled experiments to ensure that the moths were responding to the sound and not the appearance of the plants.

From BBC

The mostly white moths stood out in the sooty environment and became easy prey for predators.

From Salon

Fiona Hutchings, 47, said jaws around her dropped when the "flash of green" that flew past turned out to be a forester moth.

From BBC

In the paper, they note something that sounds straight from a witch’s journal: “the strongest and most nauseating odor was observed towards midnight, attracting many flies, ants, moths and roaches.”

From Salon

Related Words

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