borer

noun

bor·​er ˈbȯr-ər How to pronounce borer (audio)
1
: a tool used for boring
2
a
: shipworm
b
: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants

Examples of borer 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.
The squash vine borers and other pests will stay busy feeding on these sacrificial plants. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026 Insect pests, namely the lilac borer and oystershell scale, also impose their will on lilacs. — Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026 Boring Insects The stalk borer is a purple and cream-striped caterpillar that can attack tomato plants and cause wilting and death of the plant. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 June 2026 Instead, farmers employ integrated pest management techniques such as building traps used to catch borers that eat coffee berries. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for borer

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of borer was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing borer

Rhymes for borer

See All Rhymes for borer

Browse Nearby Words

bore meal
borer
borescope
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Borer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/borer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

borer

noun
bor·​er ˈbōr-ər How to pronounce borer (audio)
ˈbȯr-
1
: one that bores
especially : a tool used for boring
2
a
: shipworm
b
: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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