borer

noun

bor·​er ˈbȯr-ər How to pronounce borer (audio)
1
: a tool used for boring
2
a
b
: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants

Examples of borer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Looking again at the squash vine borer, these pests typically emerge once 900-to-1,000-degree days have accumulated. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025 Squash vine borers, for example, have a base temperature of 50 degrees. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025 That first round of borers finished off the host trees then apparently died or moved on. Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025 Other than storms, tide changes, and temperature shifts, boat owners are daunted with borers – small, persistent water-dwelling worms that chip away at the dock piling wood, resulting in skewed or collapsed structures. Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for borer

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of borer was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Borer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/borer. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

borer

noun
bor·​er ˈbōr-ər How to pronounce borer (audio)
ˈbȯr-
1
: one that bores
especially : a tool used for boring
2
a
b
: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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