caterpillar

English
A caterpillar—the larva of a butterfly or moth.

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Middle English catirpel, catirpeller, probably from Old Northern French catepeluse (Modern French chatte + pileuse (“hairy cat”)), from Late Latin catta + pilōsa.

Pronunciation
  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈkætəpɪlə(ɹ)/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈkædəɹˌpɪləɹ/
  • Audio (US)(file)

Noun

caterpillar (plural caterpillars)

  1. The larva of a butterfly or moth; leafworm.
    The bird just ate that green caterpillar.
  2. A vehicle with a caterpillar track; a crawler.

Synonyms

Derived terms
Derived terms
  • caterpillar catcher
  • caterpillar eater
  • caterpillar hunter

Translations
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Translations to be checked

See also
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