Definition of larvanext
as in nymph
a young wingless often wormlike form (as a grub or caterpillar) that hatches from the egg of many insects the larva looked ugly, but it was destined to hatch into a beautiful butterfly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of larva If cut open, there may be a wasp larva or a mite inside the gall. — Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 The findings, detailed in a study published today in the journal Science, trace the larva’s daily diving routine with a sonar system, and look at what is going on at the biological level. — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 23 July 2026 In a paper published this month in PLOS One, Alaei and her colleagues propose an alternative - employing a suite of superworms, a kind of hefty beetle larva that can capably pick a variety of animal skeletons clean. — Ari Daniel, NPR, 17 July 2026 Look in curled leaves that often contain webs with the larva stages — often called worms. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for larva
Recent Examples of Synonyms for larva
nymph
Noun
  • Hung in the den, where King pores over his many books, is a circa 1890 Henri-Fantin Latour canvas of three nymphs.
    — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Live roaches were discovered behind the cove base under the hand sink and nymphs at the display cooler next to the meat prep entrance.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Larva.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/larva. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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