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noun C2 Proficient

vermin

VUR-mihn

Vermin (noun) means small animals, especially rodents or insects, considered pests because they damage crops, spread disease, or cause a nuisance. Example: “The old barn was infested with vermin.”

noun
1
Small animals, especially rodents or insects, considered pests because they damage crops, spread disease, or cause a nuisance.
"The old barn was infested with vermin."
2
An offensive term for a despicable or contemptible person.
"The dictator dismissed his critics as vermin."

How to Use Vermin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPest animals like rats and mice — or, as an insult, worthless or despicable people.

When to use it

Calling a person "vermin" is a strong insult; use with care.

Word Forms

vermins plural

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Test yourself on “vermin” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old barn was infested with _____.

Etymology

From Old French vermine, from Vulgar Latin verminum, a collective term built from Latin vermis ("worm").

Origin: Vulgar Latin

Rhymes for vermin

See all rhymes for vermin →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “vermin” mean?

The word “vermin” means small animals, especially rodents or insects, considered pests because they damage crops, spread disease, or cause a nuisance. In plain terms, pest animals like rats and mice — or, as an insult, worthless or despicable people.

How do you pronounce “vermin”?

“Vermin” is pronounced VUR-mihn (/ˈvɝmɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “vermin” in a sentence?

Here is “vermin” used in a sentence: “The old barn was infested with vermin.”

What part of speech is “vermin”?

“Vermin” is a noun.

Where does the word “vermin” come from?

The word “vermin” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French vermine, from Vulgar Latin verminum, a collective term built from Latin vermis ("worm").

How many meanings does “vermin” have?

“Vermin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: small animals, especially rodents or insects, considered pests because they damage crops, spread disease, or cause a nuisance.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial