hellgrammite

American

[hel-gruh-mahyt] / ˈhɛl grəˌmaɪt /

noun

the aquatic larva of a dobsonfly, used as bait in fishing.

hellgrammite British

/ ˈhɛlɡrəˌmaɪt /

noun

Also called: dobson. the larva of the dobsonfly, about 10 cm long with biting mouthparts: used as bait for bass

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of hellgrammite

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; origin uncertain

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.

The hellgrammite, a black, ugly slug to be found under stones in summer streams, is the most tempting bait you can offer a black bass.

From Healthful Sports for Boys by Rochefort, Alfred

They bring us our chow and say it is angleworm and hellgrammite porridge as that is what the Subterro denizens live on mostly.

From Operation Earthworm by Archibald, Joe

After a time the hellgrammite comes to the surface and takes to the air as a beetle, but in that state he interests the naturalist rather than the fisherman.

From Healthful Sports for Boys by Rochefort, Alfred

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023