Meaning & Definition of word "Worm"

Worm

/wɜrm/

1. A long, slender, soft-bodied animal with no limbs, typically living in soil or water.
- Example: The gardener found a worm while digging in the soil.
2. A person regarded as despicable or contemptible.
- Example: He felt like a worm after cheating his friend.
3. A computer program designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers.
- Example: The network was compromised by a worm that deleted important files.

1. To move slowly or in a twisting manner.
- Example: The snake began to worm its way through the grass.
2. To obtain something gradually or with difficulty.
- Example: She tried to worm her way into the group despite their skepticism.

Middle English, from Old English 'wyrm', related to German 'Wurm' and Dutch 'worm'.

can of worms:

A complicated or messy situation.

worm one's way:

To gradually and skillfully navigate through challenges or obstacles.

the early bird catches the worm:

People who wake up early or who start working on something ahead of others generally have an advantage.

earthworm:

A type of worm that lives in soil and is used for fishing bait.

tapeworm:

A parasitic flatworm that lives in the intestines of animals and humans.

mealworm:

The larval form of the mealworm beetle, often used as food for pets or livestock.

Meaning: A person who is cowardly or weak.

Example Sentence: He's such a worm for not standing up to the bully.

Meaning: To manipulate or deceive someone subtly.

Example Sentence: She managed to worm her way into the conversation, despite being the newcomer.