noun Uncommon

moth

Moth (noun) means a flying insect related to the butterfly, usually active at night and less colorful, with feathery antennae. Example: “A moth kept circling the porch light.”

noun

A flying insect related to the butterfly, usually active at night and less colorful, with feathery antennae.

"A moth kept circling the porch light."

"Moths had eaten holes in his old wool sweater."

How to use moth

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA nocturnal, often dull-colored cousin of the butterfly, known for damaging fabric and being drawn to light.

Easily confused with

butterfly →

Common pairings

moth-eaten drawn like a moth to a flame clothes moth

Word forms

mothed past tense, moths plural, moths plural, moths plural, moths singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ kept circling the porch light.

Etymology

From Old English moþþe, "destructive insect larva", from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "worm".

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for moth

both Roth goth Toth cloth broth froth sloth troth

See all rhymes for moth →

Frequently asked questions

What does “moth” mean?

The word “moth” means a flying insect related to the butterfly, usually active at night and less colorful, with feathery antennae. In plain terms, a nocturnal, often dull-colored cousin of the butterfly, known for damaging fabric and being drawn to light.

How do you pronounce “moth”?

“Moth” is pronounced moth (/mɔθ/ in IPA).

How do you use “moth” in a sentence?

Here is “moth” used in a sentence: “A moth kept circling the porch light.”

What part of speech is “moth”?

“Moth” is a noun.

Where does the word “moth” come from?

The word “moth” comes from Old English. From Old English moþþe, "destructive insect larva", from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "worm".

Is “moth” a common word?

“Moth” is an uncommon word in modern English.