moth

1 of 2

noun

ˈmȯth How to pronounce moth (audio)
plural moths ˈmȯt͟hz How to pronounce moth (audio) ˈmȯths How to pronounce moth (audio)
1
: clothes moth
2
: any of various usually nocturnal lepidopteran insects with antennae that are often feathery, with a stouter body, duller coloring, and proportionately smaller wings than the butterflies, and with larvae that are plant-eating caterpillars
mothlike
ˈmȯth-ˌlīk How to pronounce moth (audio)
adjective
mothy
ˈmȯ-thē How to pronounce moth (audio)
adjective

mothy

2 of 2

adjective

ˈmȯthē How to pronounce mothy (audio)
-er/-est
: full of moths

Examples of moth 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
These are the immature stages of small brown moths. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026 The savory along the river is teeming with bees, and small white moths light among the ghosts of withered bergamot. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 At night, moths will visit your linden tree to continue pollinating your garden. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026 Lavender The essential oil that gives lavender flowers and foliage their pleasant, calming scent has been shown to repel mosquitoes as well as other pesky insects like fleas, flies, and moths. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for moth

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English mothe, from Old English moththe; akin to Middle High German motte moth

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of moth was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing moth

Rhymes for moth

See All Rhymes for moth

Browse Nearby Words

motey
moth
mothball
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

moth

noun
ˈmȯth How to pronounce moth (audio)
plural moths ˈmȯt͟hz How to pronounce moth (audio) ˈmȯths How to pronounce moth (audio)
: any of a group of night-flying insects that are lepidopterans often with duller coloring, stouter bodies, and smaller wings than the related butterflies and with antennae which are often feathery

More from Merriam-Webster on moth

Nglish: Translation of moth for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about moth

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