Worm

/wɜrm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A long, slender, soft-bodied animal with no limbs, typically living in soil or water.

The gardener found a worm while digging in the soil.

A person regarded as despicable or contemptible.

He felt like a worm after cheating his friend.

A computer program designed to replicate itself and spread to other computers.

The network was compromised by a worm that deleted important files.

verb

To move slowly or in a twisting manner.

The snake began to worm its way through the grass.

To obtain something gradually or with difficulty.

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.

A person who is cowardly or weak.

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

To manipulate or deceive someone subtly.

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