alfalfa webworm

noun

: the small greenish or blackish larva of a pyralid moth (Loxostege commixtalis) that feeds on and webs together the leaves of various succulent plants and is especially destructive on sugar beet and alfalfa

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!