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Definition of glowworm

glowworm

/ˈɡloʊˌwɜːrm/
(UK: glow-worm)
glow · worm
Plural:glowworms
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glowworm Lexical Profile

glowworm Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A soft-bodied, bioluminescent beetle of the family Lampyridae, specifically the wingless female or larva that emits a greenish-yellow light from its abdomen.

Example

"During our night hike through the forest, we saw dozens of glowworms illuminating the damp undergrowth."

2

New Zealand The bioluminescent larva of a fungus gnat (genus Arachnocampa) found natively in New Zealand and Australia, which spins glowing, sticky threads to catch prey in caves and dark forests.

Example

"The Waitomo caves in New Zealand are famous for the thousands of tiny glowworms that light up the cavern roofs like a starry sky."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for glowworm

• Rhymes for glowworm

• Nearby Words

glorybush
glossy snake
glove
glowworm
gloxinia
gloydius
glue

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'glow-worm', a compound of 'glowen' (to emit light) and 'worm' (any creeping insect or elongated invertebrate).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Glowworm. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/glowworm
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