moth

moth · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A chiefly nocturnal insect related to butterflies, typically having feathery or threadlike antennae and dull-colored wings held flat when at rest.

  2. 2.

    A clothes moth, whose larvae feed on fabric and damage clothing.

Forms

plural: moths

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    like a moth to a flame — Irresistibly drawn to something despite the danger
  • •
    moth-eaten — Damaged by moth larvae; old and worn out
  • •
    mothball — To put something in storage or preserve it for later use

Related words

See also: butterfly, caterpillar, insect
Synonyms: lepidopteran

Etymology

From Old English moþþe, from Proto-Germanic muþþon. Related to Dutch mot and German Motte.