B2noun2K

Worm

UK /["/wɜːm/"]/US /["/wɜːrm/"]/

Definition

a long, thin creature with a soft body and no bones or legs

In simple words: A small, long creature with no legs that lives in the ground or soil.

Examples

  • birds looking for worms
  • Worms burrow down through the soil.
  • The dog has worms.
  • This apple is full of worms.

Usage notes

Generally used in casual contexts. Not suitable for formal writing. Can refer to various types of worms (e.g., earthworms, parasitic worms), depending on context.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Worms wiggle in the warm dirt! Think of a wiggly 'W' shape.

Collocations

  • burrow
  • crawl
  • wriggle
  • cast

Synonyms

  • creature
  • invertebrate
  • segmented worm

Antonyms

  • bird
  • predator

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'vermin' which refers to pests more broadly.
  • Using 'worm' in a plural context when referring to types without 's' (e.g., 'two types of worm').
  • Mixing up 'worm' with similar-sounding words such as 'warm'.