earthworm

noun

earth·​worm ˈərth-ˌwərm 

: a terrestrial annelid worm (class Oligochaeta)

especially : any of a family (Lumbricidae) of numerous widely distributed hermaphroditic worms that move through the soil by means of setae and feed on decaying organic matter

Examples of earthworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike earthworms, which enrich the soil, Asian Jumping Worms devour everything, stripping soil and damaging plant roots. —Maria Braganini, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026

While a lot of earthworms benefit soil, adding nutrients and helping with aeration, the Asian jumping worm does the opposite. —Adam England, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

Let’s also look after our helpers — the lady beetles, earthworms, birds, bees, syrphid flies and lacewings that busily help our gardens thrive. —Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

There’s no easier bait to harvest than earthworms. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for earthworm

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

Kids Definition

earthworm

noun

earth·​worm -ˌwərm 

: a long slender annelid worm that lives in damp earth, moves with the aid of bristles, and feeds on decaying organic matter