noun
earwig
EER-wig/ˈɪrwɪɡ/
A small elongated insect with pincers at its rear.
An earwig crawls across a leaf, its rear pincers clearly visible.
Etymology
The pieces literally name an “ear insect.” This reflects the ancient, widespread but false belief that earwigs entered people's ears, rather than a feature of their pincered bodies.
In context
And from the egg stage to being a mature adult earwig, it can take up to a year.
More examples
- Several earwigs hide beneath the damp flowerpot.
- She gently moves the earwig outside with a piece of paper.
- The earwig uses its pincers to defend itself.
Forms
earwig · earwigs