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."
"Bring these vermin to the Palace of Justice."
How to use vermin
Learner’s notesIn 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.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- vermins
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").
Synonyms
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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.
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