witchetty grub

[ wich-uh-tee ]

noun

1. the large white larva of any of several species of moth and beetle of Australia, especially of the moth genus Cossus, occurring in decaying wood and traditionally used as food by Aborigines.

witchetty grub

/ ˈwɪtʃɪtɪ /

noun

1. the wood-boring edible larva of certain Australian moths and beetles

Word History and Origins

Origin of witchetty grub¹

First recorded in 1890–95; from Adnyamadhanha (an Australian Aboriginal language spoken around Lake Torrens, South Australia) wityati “witchetty grub,” perhaps equivalent to verb base witya “climb” + varti “grub, insect”

Word History and Origins

Origin of witchetty grub¹

C19: witchetty, from a native Australian language

Example Sentences

The witchetty-grub men, for instance, want the grubs to multiply, that there may be plenty for their fellows to eat.

From Project Gutenberg

The men of the witchetty grub totem enter the structure and sing songs about the production and growth of the witchetty grub.

From Project Gutenberg

One of these is in connection with the witchetty grub, the other with the kangaroo.

From Project Gutenberg