inchworm

noun

inch·​worm ˈinch-ˌwərm How to pronounce inchworm (audio)
: looper sense 1

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The larva of any member of a large, widespread group of moths is called an inchworm. Also called loopers, inchworms move in a characteristic “inching” or “looping” gait by extending the front part of the body and bringing the rear up to meet it. Resembling twigs or leaf stems, they feed on foliage and can seriously damage or even destroy trees.

Examples of inchworm in a Sentence

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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 inchworm bot was put into an obstacle course featuring narrow and complex paths and used a humidity sensor to detect sources of moisture. — IEEE Spectrum, 12 Aug. 2025 The astronauts completed their work on the arm by reattaching its latching end effector, or hand, which the arm uses to grapple objects and inchworm across the exterior of the station. — Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 30 June 2026 Focus on moving your joints through their full range of motion, says Delgado-Lugo, who suggests doing leg swings, hip circles, butt kicks, arm swings, arm circles, inchworms, and bodyweight squats. — Jenny McCoy, SELF, 21 July 2025 The device is built from a strip of light-responsive polymer that arcs and straightens akin to an inchworm, while liquid crystal elastomers and synthetic magnet patches mimic on either end geckos’ gravity-defying grip. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for inchworm

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inchworm was circa 1861

Rhymes for inchworm

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Browse Nearby Words

inch-ton
inchworm
incide
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on inchworm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inchworm

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