Synonyms for

Caterpillar

Verb / ˈkætʌˌpɪlɜ: / / ˈkætɜ:ˌpɪlɜ: / Another word for caterpillar — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a wormlike larva of a butterfly or moth

Synonyms & similar words

caterpillar cat larva grub worm creep insect bug beetle cricket grasshopper moth butterfly cicada ant spider centipede millipede snail slug crustacean arthropod

Synonyms by register

Informal

larva grub

Literary

worm creeper

Common collocations

  • caterpillar tractor
  • caterpillar tracks
  • caterpillar engine
  • caterpillar club
  • caterpillar fungus

Word family

noun caterpillar

Usage note

The word 'caterpillar' specifically refers to the larval stage of butterflies and moths. It is not typically used for the larvae of other insects.

Example sentences

  1. The caterpillar crawled on the leaf.
  2. The caterpillar ate a lot before turning into a butterfly.
  3. The caterpillar was green and had black stripes.
  4. The caterpillar turned into a moth instead of a butterfly.
  5. The caterpillar was hiding under the rock.

Quotes

  • The caterpillar does all the work, but the butterfly gets all the publicity. - George Carlin
  • Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. - Chuang Tzu
  • Butterflies are self-propelled flowers. - Robert Heinlein

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words