# earthworm

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɜː(ɹ)θˌwɜː(ɹ)m/ · frequency rank #57,993

## Definitions
1. A worm that lives in the ground.
2. A worm of the family Lumbricidae, or, more generally, of the suborder Lumbricina.
3. A contemptible person; a groveller.

## Etymology
From Middle English erthe-worm, erþe-worm, erþe worm (also as worm of þe erthe, worm of þe erþe), equivalent to earth + worm. Compare Saterland Frisian Äidwurm (“earthworm”), West Frisian ierdwjirm (“earthworm”), Dutch aardworm (“earthworm”), less common German Erdwurm (“earthworm”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/earthworm