How Do You Spell MOTH?

Pronunciation: [mˈɒθ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "moth" is quite straightforward. It is spelled with the letters M-O-T-H, and pronounced as /mɑːθ/ in British English or /mɔːθ/ in American English. The phonetic transcription shows that this two-letter word has a relatively complex sound structure. The initial consonant sound /m/ is voiced, followed by an open mid-back vowel /ɑː/ or /ɔː/, and then by the voiceless dental fricative /θ/. The word "moth" refers to a nocturnal insect with broad wings and a hairy body.

MOTH Meaning and Definition

  1. A "moth" is a nocturnal insect belonging to the order Lepidoptera, which includes butterflies. Moths are characterized by their typically drab coloration and furry bodies. They possess two pairs of wings covered in tiny scales, which often give them a powdery appearance. Moths undergo a complete metamorphosis, starting as eggs and then progressing through larval, pupal, and adult stages.

    Moths are most active during the night, as they are attracted to artificial lights and use celestial cues such as the moon and stars for navigation. They exhibit remarkable diversity in terms of size, coloration, and ecological niche. Some species are small, measuring around ¼ inch, while others can reach up to 12 inches in wingspan. They display various shades of brown, gray, or white, allowing for camouflage among vegetation or tree bark.

    Moths exhibit a wide range of feeding habits. While most are herbivorous, consuming nectar, pollen, or foliage, some are considered pests as their caterpillars feed on crops and damage agricultural plants. Certain moth species also engage in pollination, contributing to ecosystem functioning. Additionally, moths play a vital role as a food source for other creatures, including birds, bats, and spiders.

    Moths are fascinating creatures due to their unique biology and diverse adaptations. While they share many similarities with butterflies, their primarily nocturnal lifestyle sets them apart. This blend of characteristics makes moths a subject of interest for entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

  2. 1. A lepidopterous insect, distinguished roughly from a butterfly by not having knobbed antennae, and by flying usually at dusk or at night. 2. Moth-patch.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A winged insect of several species, somewhat like, and akin to the butterfly, generally seen in the twilight; a worm, the grub of a moth, that breeds in and consumes cloths, &c., laid up from the air; figuratively, that which gradually and silently consumes or eats away anything.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for MOTH *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for MOTH

Etymology of MOTH

The word "moth" originated from the Old English word "moððe" or "moðða", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*mōthô". Its ultimate origin lies in the Proto-Indo-European root "*mē-", meaning "to mow" or "to cut down". This is because moths were initially associated with the destruction or consuming of cloth due to their appetite for textiles. Over time, the term "moth" came to be specifically used for the nocturnal flying insects we now refer to as moths.

Idioms with the word MOTH

  • like a moth to a flame The idiom "like a moth to a flame" refers to being irresistibly drawn towards something despite the potential danger or negative consequences it may bring. It signifies an intense attraction or fascination that is often destructive or harmful.
  • drawn to (something) like a moth to a flame The idiom "drawn to (something) like a moth to a flame" refers to a strong and uncontrollable attraction or fascination towards something, often to one's own detriment. It describes a situation where someone is irresistibly and instinctively drawn to something or someone, despite the potential negative consequences or harm involved, much like how moths are famously attracted to the bright light of a flame, even though it may lead to their demise.
  • drawn like a moth to a flame The idiom "drawn like a moth to a flame" refers to someone being irresistibly attracted to something or someone, often despite the negative consequences or danger involved. It implies a strong and uncontrollable pull towards someone or something, similar to how moths are known to be strongly drawn towards the light of a flame, even if it ultimately leads to their demise.
  • like a moth to the flame The idiom "like a moth to the flame" means to be irresistibly attracted to something or someone, even if it is harmful or dangerous. It implies a sense of fascination or infatuation that draws someone towards a situation or person, despite the potential negative consequences.

Similar spelling words for MOTH

Plural form of MOTH is MOTHS

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