vermin

[vur-min]

noun

plural

vermin 

1. noxious, objectionable, or disgusting animals collectively, especially those of small size that appear commonly and are difficult to control, as flies, lice, bedbugs, cockroaches, mice, and rats.

2. an objectionable or obnoxious person, or such persons collectively.

3. animals that prey upon game, as coyotes or weasels.

vermin

/ ˈvɜːmɪn /

noun

1. (functioning as plural) small animals collectively, esp insects and rodents, that are troublesome to man, domestic animals, etc

2. an unpleasant, obnoxious, or dangerous person

Word History and Origins

Origin of vermin¹

1300–50; Middle English vermyne < Anglo-French, Middle French vermin, vermine < Vulgar Latin *verminum, *vermina, based on Latin vermin-; verminate

Word History and Origins

Origin of vermin¹

C13: from Old French vermine, from Latin vermis a worm

Example Sentences

Bin bags on pavements are a familiar sight where Mr Frémond lives - as in many cities - their contents often strewn across the street; the result of vermin clawing them as they wait to be collected.

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Her family pays the city for their own dumpster bins to dispose of their own trash rather than leave it on the street to attract vermin or other pests, Ronquillo said.

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County’s jails, describing filthy conditions, vermin and insect infestations, a lack of clean water and moldy and spoiled food.

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Rodents, insects and vermin were visible at the resort, while electricity was shut off to common spaces, according to the lawsuit.

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He inveighs against illegal immigration in terms more appropriate for a vermin infestation.

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Related Words

• ant 
• flea 
• insect 
• mosquito 
• rodent