mealworm

American  

[meel-wurm] / ˈmilˌwɜrm /

noun

1. the larva of any of several darkling beetles of the genus Tenebrio, which infests granaries and is used as food for birds and animals.

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mealworm British  

/ ˈmiːlˌwɜːm /

noun

1. the larva of various beetles of the genus Tenebrio, esp T. molitor, feeding on meal, flour, and similar stored foods: family Tenebrionidae

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Etymology

Origin of mealworm

First recorded in 1650–60; meal ² + worm

Example Sentences

I think Mealworm is scary; he is not the genie from "Aladdin."

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2023

There are certain things about Mealworm that do speak to me.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2023

But I wonder how much of me is Mealworm, too?

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2023

Mealworm burgers, meanwhile, are “tasty and very easy to make,” and powdered mealworms have a mild taste that allows them to be incorporated into cakes, bread and pasta.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2021