cinnabar moth

noun

: a European moth (Tyria jacobaeae) that has been introduced into the western U.S. in attempts to control the tansy ragwort on which its larvae feed

called also cinnabar

Examples of cinnabar moth 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.
The cinnabar moth was introduced to help control it in the 1960s. oregonlive, 30 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cinnabar moth was circa 1893

Dictionary Entries Near cinnabar moth

Cite this Entry

“Cinnabar moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinnabar%20moth. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!