silkworm

noun

silk·​worm ˈsilk-ˌwərm 

: a moth whose larva spins a large amount of strong silk in constructing its cocoon

especially : an Asian moth (Bombyx mori of the family Bombycidae) whose rough wrinkled hairless caterpillar produces the silk of commerce

Examples of silkworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rafael Martin/Europa Press/Abaca/Sipa USA/AP Their team mixed lavender oil into a warm solution of fibroin, a flexible protein made by silkworms, and gum arabic, a substance from acacia trees that helps stabilize materials. —Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024

Nevertheless, the Chinese court maintained their monopoly of silk through harsh imperial decrees that sentenced anyone to death who exported silkworms or exposed the production process to foreigners. —Emi Eleode, ARTnews.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Initially slated for March, it was delayed for months, owing to a government shutdown, scheduling conflicts, and then at the last minute—with all the passengers, including the silkworms, ready to go—the FAA's refusal to recertify the plane until a single part was replaced. —Nicola Twilley, WIRED, 11 Feb. 2020

Upon penalty of death or exile, sericulture (the practice of cultivating silkworms to produce silk) was kept a state secret within China until insects were smuggled out and a shift of powers ensued. —Barrett Klein, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

silkworm

noun

silk·​worm ˈsil-ˌkwərm 

: any of various moth larvae that spin a large amount of silk to make a cocoon

especially : a wrinkled hairless yellowish caterpillar that is the larva of an Asian moth, is raised in captivity on mulberry leaves, and produces a strong silk that is the silk most often used for thread or cloth