Caterpillar

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈkætÉ™pɪlÉ™(ɹ)/

Origin

From Middle English catirpel, catirpeller, probably from Old Northern French catepelose (Modern French chat + pileux ("hairy cat")), from Late Latin cattus + pilōsus.

Full definition of caterpillar

Noun

1. The larva of a butterfly or moth; leafworm.The bird just ate that green caterpillar.
2. A vehicle with a caterpillar track; a crawler.

Synonyms

• (moth or butterfly larva) leafworm

Derived terms

• caterpillar catcher
• caterpillar eater
• caterpillar hunter
• caterpillar track
• tent caterpillar