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Definition of inchworm

inchworm

/ˈɪntʃˌwɜːrm/
inch · worm
Plural:inchworms
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inchworm Lexical Profile

inchworm Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American The caterpillar of a moth of the family Geometridae, which moves by alternately arching its body into a loop and then straightening it out, appearing to measure the ground as it travels.

Example

"The children watched a bright green inchworm slowly make its way up the stem of the tomato plant."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inchworm

• Nearby Words

incense cedar
inch
incheon
inchworm
inclinometer
income
incubator

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in American English in the early 19th century from 'inch' + 'worm', describing the caterpillar's distinctive looping locomotion that makes it appear to be measuring the ground inch by inch.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inchworm. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inchworm
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