hexapod

1 of 2

noun

hexa·​pod ˈhek-sə-ˌpäd How to pronounce hexapod (audio)
: insect sense 1a

hexapod

2 of 2

adjective

1
: six-footed
2
: of or relating to insects

Examples of hexapod 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.
Noun
For the most part, the critters eat insects and collembolans, a soft-bodied hexapod. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 16 Mar. 2017 With six legs, the hexapod robot can act more like a human curler when launching the stone, putting a new spin on curling robot tech. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
With six legs, the hexapod robot can act more like a human curler when launching the stone, putting a new spin on curling robot tech. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026 But advances in the understanding of atmospheric oxygen levels are challenging that idea, explains Sandra Schachat, a paleoentomologist at Stanford University, who led a recent study that modeled the gas's availability during the hexapod gap. — Lucas Joel, Scientific American, 1 May 2018 See All Example Sentences for hexapod

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Greek hexapod-, hexapous having six feet, from hexa- + pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hexapod was in 1668

Rhymes for hexapod

See All Rhymes for hexapod

Browse Nearby Words

hexaploidy
hexapod
hexapodous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on hexapod

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hexapod

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