earwig
noun
ear·wig
| \ ˈir-ˌwig
\
\
Definition of earwig
(Entry 1 of 2)
: any of numerous insects (order Dermaptera) having slender many-jointed antennae and a pair of cerci resembling forceps at the end of the body
earwig
verb
earwigged;
earwigging
Definition of earwig (Entry 2 of 2)
: to annoy or attempt to influence by private talk
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Examples of earwig in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
The earwigs should fall onto the cloth and can then be disposed of. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "How to Control Earwigs in Your Garden and Keep Them From Getting in Your House," 27 July 2018 The downside is that earwigs are in heaven, enjoying the mulch cover. — Margaret Lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Consider all insect control measures carefully as earwigs, squash bugs move in," 22 June 2018 Other kids were debating whether an insect was a centipede, an earwig, or some other sort of beetle. — Conor Williams, The Atlantic, "The Perks of a Play-in-the-Mud Educational Philosophy," 26 Apr. 2018 In my experience, by the time the corn is ripe there are no visible silks because earwigs have eaten them. — Margaret Lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Double-duty: Grow corn to support bean stalks too | Idaho Statesman," 28 Mar. 2018 Pollination occurred before the earwigs had their way. — Margaret Lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Double-duty: Grow corn to support bean stalks too | Idaho Statesman," 28 Mar. 2018 Potential pests include snails, slugs, earwigs, aphids, leafminers, thrips and whiteflies. — Debbie Arrington, sacbee, "Growing iceberg lettuce takes time and cool weather," 28 July 2017 Their defenses are also formidable, from the supertough shell of the ironclad beetle to the toxic spines of the puss caterpillar to the rotting-flesh stink of the shore earwig. — Liz Langley, National Geographic, "This Is Why Insects Rule the World," 26 Nov. 2016 Canned-fish cat food drives the earwigs crazy with desire. — Ciscoe Morris, The Seattle Times, "How a dab of canned cat food protects your dazzling dahlias," 5 July 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'earwig.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for earwig
earwig
noun
English Language Learners Definition of earwig
: an insect that has long, thin feelers and two curved, pointed parts at the end of the body
See the full definition for earwig in the English Language Learners Dictionary
earwig
noun
ear·wig
| \ ˈir-ˌwig
\
\
Kids Definition of earwig
: an insect with long slender feelers and a part at the end of its body that pinches and is used for self-defense
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