woolly bear

noun

1. the caterpillar of any of several moths, as a tiger moth, having a dense coat of woolly hairs.

woolly bear

noun

1. the caterpillar of any of various tiger moths, esp Arctia caja of Europe and Isia isabella of North America, having a dense covering of soft hairs

Word History and Origins

Origin of woolly bear¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Marjorie took the soft, woolly bear, and somehow he was a comforting old fellow.

From Project Gutenberg

The "woolly bear" caterpillars look just as they did in October.

From Project Gutenberg

And then I began to be sorry for the woolly bear and to wish I could go and have a look at him.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, mistis, dat yar sergeant ossifer— Dat sassy un what call me "Woolly-bear."

From Project Gutenberg

Even if it is a woolly bear, you'll find plenty more another day.

From Project Gutenberg