lugworm

noun

lug·​worm ˈləg-ˌwərm How to pronounce lugworm (audio)
: any of a genus (Arenicola) of marine polychaete worms that have a row of tufted gills along each side of the back and are used for bait

Examples of lugworm 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 lugworm, a slimy red-tinged critter that is often used as fishing bait, can be found on beaches across the British Isles and northwest Europe. Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 25 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lugworm was in 1802

Dictionary Entries Near lugworm

Cite this Entry

“Lugworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lugworm. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lugworm

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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