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Definition of moth

moth

/mɔːθ/
moth
Plural:moths
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moth Lexical Profile

moth Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A chiefly nocturnal insect of the order Lepidoptera, closely related to butterflies but typically distinguished by a stouter body, duller coloring, and wings that fold flat when resting.

Example

"A large brown moth fluttered around the porch light before landing gently on the screen door."

Word Nuance & Usage

While often confused with butterflies, moths are typically nocturnal, possess feathery or thread-like antennae rather than clubbed ones, and rest with their wings laid flat or tented rather than folded upright.

• Rhymes for moth

• Nearby Words

motagua
mote
motel
moth
moth bean
moth orchid
mothball

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'moððe', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'mot' and German 'Motte'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Moth. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/moth
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