The larva of any member of a large, widespread group of moths is called an inchworm. Also called loopers, inchworms move in a characteristic “inching” or “looping” gait by extending the front part of the body and bringing the rear up to meet it. Resembling twigs or leaf stems, they feed on foliage and can seriously damage or even destroy trees.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebDo the inchworm for 20 seconds, then rest 10 seconds before returning to the top. Jenny Mccoy, SELF, 28 May 2022 Do the squat jack for 20 seconds, then rest 10 seconds before moving onto the inchworm. Jenny Mccoy, SELF, 28 May 2022 This single-leg inchworm builds on all of that and provides more unilateral work to build balanced strength, mobility, and flexibility. Rozalynn S. Frazier, SELF, 30 Dec. 2021 These cardio exercises include the inchworm, lateral shuffle, high knees, skater, and up-down plank. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 29 Apr. 2021 The reverse lunge works your quads and your glutes, the inchworm boosts mobility while challenging your hamstrings and shoulders, while the plank variations will light up your core. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 29 Apr. 2021 From inchworm crawling to star jumps, these challenges will keep busybodies occupied (and can provide a nice break in the workday for parents). Sian Babish, chicagotribune.com, 4 Aug. 2020 Stretching as a warm-up should focus on dynamic moves, or those that include movement—say, like an inchworm rather than simply touching your toes. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 4 Aug. 2020 This allows the shrews to scrunch their spines up like inchworms, according to a statement, and withstand an enormous amount of force for their weight and size, which is comparable to that of a rat. Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2020 See More
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1861, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
inchworm
noun
inch·worm ˈinch-ˌwərm
: a small caterpillar that is a larva of a moth and moves by bringing forward the hind part of the body and then extending forward the front part of the body