cabbage worm

noun

variants or cabbageworm
: an insect larva (as of a cabbage butterfly) that feeds on cabbages

Examples of cabbage worm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The objective is to get an early crop of kale for spring and control the cabbage worm. oregonlive, 29 Apr. 2020 All parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested –– except, alas, for such pests as cabbage worms, spider mites, aphids and whiteflies. R. Daniel Foster, latimes.com, 22 June 2018 Turn leaves over to spot cabbage worms that decimate leaves with voracious munching. R. Daniel Foster, latimes.com, 22 June 2018 Row covers allow light and water to permeate but protect broccoli from destructive cabbage worms. Arricca Sansone, Country Living, 25 Apr. 2018 Plant mustard to deter cabbage worms and harlequin bugs from cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. OregonLive.com, 29 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cabbage worm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cabbage worm was in 1688

Dictionary Entries Near cabbage worm

Cite this Entry

“Cabbage worm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cabbage%20worm. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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