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moth

Syllabification: (moth)
Pronunciation: /môTH/

Translate moth | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of moth

noun (plural moths /môT͟Hz, môTHs/)

  • a chiefly nocturnal insect related to the butterflies. It lacks the clubbed antennae of butterflies and typically has a stout body, drab coloration, and wings that fold flat when resting.
    • Most superfamilies of the order Lepidoptera. Formerly placed in a grouping known as the Heterocera
  • informalshort for clothes moth.

Phrases

like a moth to the flame

with an irresistible attraction for someone or something:wealthy amateurs who have been attracted like moths to the glittering flames of showbiz

Origin:

Old English moththe, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch mot and German Motte

moth in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of moth in the British & World English dictionary

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