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Definition of nightcrawler

nightcrawler

/ˈnaɪtˌkrɔːlər/
night · crawl · er
Plural:nightcrawlers
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nightcrawler Lexical Profile

nightcrawler Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A large burrowing earthworm (especially Lumbricus terrestris) native to Europe and widely naturalized in North America, which emerges onto the soil surface at night to feed and mate and is commonly used as fishing bait.

Example

"Before heading out to the lake at dawn, the anglers stopped at a bait shop to buy a container of live nightcrawlers."

2

A person who stays up late or goes out prowling and socializing during the night.

Example

"The 24-hour diner downtown is a favorite hangout for shift workers and local nightcrawlers."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

nightclub
nightclubber
nightclubbing
nightcrawler
nightdress
nightfall
nightgear

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in North American English in the late 19th century as a compound of "night" and "crawler," referencing the worm's habit of emerging onto the ground surface after dark.

Cite this Entry

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