caterpillar
noun
the wormlike larva of a butterfly or a moth.
caterpillars
-
pluralof caterpillar.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Julie was raising some caterpillars too, and she cared a lot about them.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026
Gareth Tilley bought a UV torch to try and find the caterpillars in May 2022.
From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026
The breakthrough came after he learned that some US caterpillars glow under UV light.
From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026
OPM caterpillars were first accidentally introduced to England in 2005 and the species is subject to a government-led programme of survey and control to minimise its population, spread and impacts, says a Forest Research spokesperson.
From BBC ● May 28, 2026
Maria continued to collect and sketch caterpillars, making notes as she went along.
From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman
