Worm — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Worm
Worm (noun)
- earthworm; broadly, an annelid worm
- any of numerous relatively small elongated usually naked and soft-bodied animals (such as a grub, pinworm, tapeworm, shipworm, or slowworm)
- a human being who is an object of contempt, loathing, or pity, wretch
Worm (verb)
- to move or proceed sinuously or insidiously
- to proceed or make (one's way) insidiously or deviously
- to insinuate or introduce (oneself) by devious or subtle means
Worm (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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to advance gradually beyond the usual or desirable limits
"neighborhoods worming into lands reserved for wildlife"
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to introduce in a gradual, secret, or clever way
"over a period of several years, the undercover agent was able to worm his way into the drug kingpin's confidence"
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to move slowly with the body close to the ground
"the cat silently wormed along the ground as it snuck up on the bird"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Worm
The most common words with a similar meaning to Worm:
Word Forms of Worm
Inflections: wormed, worming, worms
Derived words: wormlike (adjective)
Origin & Etymology of Worm
Middle English, from Old English wyrm serpent, worm; akin to Old High German wurm serpent, worm, Latin vermis worm
First known use: before 12th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Worm
- CEFR level: B2 English Vocabulary — Page 28
- Topics: Weather & Nature
Words & Phrases Containing Worm
Frequently Asked Questions about Worm
What does "Worm" mean?
"Worm" means earthworm; broadly, an annelid worm. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: earthworm; broadly, an annelid worm. It has 3 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Worm"?
Other words for "Worm" include creep, encroach, inch, infiltrate, insinuate, slip, sneak and wind. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Worm" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Worm"?
There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Worm". Common alternatives include creep, encroach, inch, infiltrate, insinuate, slip, sneak, wind, work in and wriggle.
How do you use "Worm" in a sentence?
Examples of "Worm" in a sentence: "neighborhoods worming into lands reserved for wildlife"; "over a period of several years, the undercover agent was able to worm his way into the drug kingpin's confidence"; "the cat silently wormed along the ground as it snuck up on the bird".
Is "Worm" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Worm" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.
Is "Worm" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As a B2-level word, "Worm" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.
How do you pronounce "Worm"?
"Worm" is pronounced /ˈwərm/.
What is the origin of the word "Worm"?
"Worm" comes from Middle English, from Old English wyrm serpent, worm; akin to Old High German wurm serpent, worm, Latin vermis worm. First known use: before 12th century.