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Definition of silkworm

silkworm

/ˈsɪlk.wɜːrm/
silk · worm
Plural:silkworms
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silkworm Lexical Profile

silkworm Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The commercially bred, yellowish caterpillar (larva) of the domesticated Asian silk moth (family Bombycidae, specifically Bombyx mori), originating in China, which spins a pupal cocoon of fine, strong thread that is harvested to produce silk.

Example

"The ancient Chinese carefully guarded the secret of cultivating the silkworm to maintain their monopoly on the luxurious textile trade."

2

Any of various wild or semi-domesticated moth caterpillars (such as the tussah moth) native to Asia that spin a significant amount of silk in constructing their cocoons.

Example

"While the domesticated variety is the most famous, several wild silkworms are harvested in India to produce durable tussah silk."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for silkworm

• Nearby Words

silks
silkscreen
silktassel
silkworm
silky
silky anteater
silky shark

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'selkworm', a compound of 'silk' and 'worm'. Coined to describe the silk-producing larva of the domesticated moth, Bombyx mori.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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