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Definition of hornworm

hornworm

/ˈhɔːrnˌwɜːrm/
horn · worm
Plural:hornworms
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hornworm Lexical Profile

hornworm Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The large, typically green caterpillar of a hawk moth or sphinx moth (family Sphingidae), distinguished by a fleshy, horn-like projection at its posterior end and known as a voracious agricultural pest, particularly on crops like tomatoes and tobacco.

Example

"The gardener was dismayed to find a massive green hornworm rapidly devouring the leaves of her prize-winning tomato plants."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hornworm

• Rhymes for hornworm

• Nearby Words

horned viper
hornero
hornet
hornworm
hornwort
horse
horse chestnut

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'horn' and 'worm', directly referencing the distinct, spine-like or horn-like fleshy projection found on the posterior end of these caterpillars.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hornworm. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hornworm
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