borer

noun

bor·​er ˈbȯr-ər How to pronounce borer (audio)
1
: a tool used for boring
2
a
: shipworm
b
: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants

Examples of borer in a Sentence

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.
For this same reason, summer squash plants that experienced early generations of squash bugs or vine borers might be best removed at this point, instead of utilizing their space for quick-growing fall root crops or leafy greens. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 2 Aug. 2026 Plus, starting new edible crops in July also avoids some pests, such as squash vine borers, which may have moved through their life cycle and won’t affect your baby plants. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 19 July 2026 Boring Insects The stalk borer is a purple and cream-striped caterpillar that can attack tomato plants and cause wilting and death of the plant. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 17 June 2026 The extracts and oils are derived commercially from citrus peels—limonene, pinene, and terpinene—and repel carpenter ants, cowpea weevils, lesser grain borers, German cockroaches, and other insects. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for borer

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing borer

Rhymes for borer

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Browse Nearby Words

bore meal
borer
borescope
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Cite this Entry

“Borer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/borer. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

borer

noun
bor·​er ˈbōr-ər How to pronounce borer (audio)
ˈbȯr-
1
: one that bores
especially : a tool used for boring
2
a
: shipworm
b
: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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