gypsy moth
noun
plural gypsy moths
offensive
: spongy moth
Note: The Entomological Society of America officially renamed this insect the spongy moth in 2022 due to the offensiveness of the historical name.
see usage paragraph at gypsyExamples of gypsy moth in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of the biggest sources of stress and damage is defoliation of oaks and other trees by the spongy moth (formerly called the gypsy moth).
—
Richard S. Ostfeld, STAT, 31 July 2023
These insects, formerly called gypsy moths, are poised for another year of damage in certain parts of the U.S..
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 14 June 2023
Previously called the gypsy moth, the Entomological Society of America changed the name to remove the derogatory term for the Romani people.
—Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Sep. 2022
Dogs have also been used to find seals on ice, gas leaks and the presence of gypsy moth egg sacks.
—Ned Rozell, Anchorage Daily News, 11 June 2022
See All Example Sentences for gypsy moth
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Richard S. Ostfeld, STAT, 31 July 2023
These insects, formerly called gypsy moths, are poised for another year of damage in certain parts of the U.S..
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 14 June 2023
Previously called the gypsy moth, the Entomological Society of America changed the name to remove the derogatory term for the Romani people.
—Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Sep. 2022
Dogs have also been used to find seals on ice, gas leaks and the presence of gypsy moth egg sacks.
—Ned Rozell, Anchorage Daily News, 11 June 2022
See All Example Sentences for gypsy moth
Cite this Entry
“Gypsy moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gypsy%20moth. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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