vermin

noun

ver·​min ˈvər-mən How to pronounce vermin (audio)
plural vermin
1
a
: small common harmful or objectionable animals (such as lice or fleas) that are difficult to control
b
: birds and mammals that prey on game
c
: animals that at a particular time and place compete (as for food) with humans or domestic animals
2
: an offensive person

Examples of vermin in a Sentence

The room was crawling with roaches and other vermin. the vermin who looted abandoned houses after the hurricane
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sacramento County health inspectors closed a local Rite Aid drugstore after discovering roughly 140 rodent droppings, gnaw marks and other evidence of a vermin infestation. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado updated July 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025 The pictures show a sink covered in ants; rat droppings in the kitchen and on some of the produce; tomatoes and avocados that had been partially eaten by vermin; and a gas line with its protective sheathing dangerously frayed. John McDermott, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025 This could include, but is not limited to, major vermin contamination. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado july 4, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025 Inspectors cited the Mexican restaurant numerous violations ranging from vermin activity to unclean surfaces. Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vermin

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, from verm "worm" (going back to Latin vermis) + -in, -ine, suffix with diminutive or pejorative value, borrowed from Italian -ino, diminutive suffix, going back to Latin -īnus, suffix of appurtenance — more at worm entry 1, -ine entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of vermin was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Vermin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vermin. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

vermin

noun
ver·​min ˈvər-mən How to pronounce vermin (audio)
plural vermin
: small common harmful or objectionable animals (as fleas or mice) that are difficult to get rid of
Etymology

Middle English vermin "small animal pests," from early French vermin (same meaning), derived from Latin vermis "worm" — related to vermicelli

Word Origin
The word vermin is used for any small harmful or annoying insect or animal that is difficult to get rid of or control. Fleas, lice, mice, rats, and even rabbits when they destroy gardens have been called vermin. However, the word vermin comes from a Latin word for a creature that is not usually thought of as troublesome. The word is vermis, meaning "worm." The word vermicelli, which English borrowed from Italian, can also be traced back to the Latin vermis. The Italians used this word for "thin spaghetti" because the strands look like "little worms," which is what vermicelli means literally.

Medical Definition

vermin

noun
ver·​min ˈvər-mən How to pronounce vermin (audio)
plural vermin
: small common harmful or objectionable animals (as lice or fleas) that are difficult to control

More from Merriam-Webster on vermin

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