bagworm

noun

bag·worm ˈbag-ˌwərm

: any of a family (Psychidae) of moths with wingless females and plant-feeding larvae that live in a silk case covered with plant debris

especially : one (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) often destructive to deciduous and evergreen trees of the eastern U.S.

Examples of bagworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

If the bags remain on the plant, new bagworms will hatch out and resume the feeding their parents started. — Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 Mar. 2024 Now is the time to get ahead of the swarms by controlling bagworms, aphids, whiteflies, stinkbugs, and Japanese beetles. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 31 May 2026 But to entomologists, the delicate homes of the bagworm are a marvel. — Jennifer Walter, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2019 Keep in mind that mites, bagworms, and root rot can be common issues when growing Italian cypress, says Abdi. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bagworm

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bagworm was in 1811

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bagwig

bagworm

bagwyn

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Bagworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bagworm. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bagworm

noun

bag·worm ˈbag-ˌwərm

: a moth that as a larva lives in a silk case covered with plant debris and is often destructive to the leaves of plants

bagworm

noun

Examples of bagworm in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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