cutworm

noun

cut·​worm ˈkət-ˌwərm 

: any of various smooth-bodied chiefly nocturnal noctuid moth caterpillars which often feed on young plant stems near ground level

Examples of cutworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many subtle indicators of cabbage worms, flea beetles, cutworms, and more will appear, signaling the time to act before major damage and crop reduction occur. —Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026

Plant it at the edge of your garden or near your other fruits and vegetables to discourage cutworms, cabbage worms, slugs, snails, and aphids. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 19 Apr. 2026

Create a wide buffer of bare, dry soil around the garden to discourage more cutworms from entering. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

Sweet alyssum, allium, cilantro, nasturtium, beans, peas, and marigolds all help protect your crop from common potato pests, such as the Colorado potato beetle, aphids, and cutworms. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cutworm

• variegated cutworm

Rhymes for cutworm

• affirm
• bookworm
• confirm
• earthworm
• infirm
• midterm
• tapeworm
• wireworm
• angiosperm
• echinoderm
• berm
• ferm

Kids Definition

cutworm

noun

cut·​worm ˈkət-ˌwərm 

: any of various smooth-bodied nocturnal moth caterpillars that usually feed on plants