night crawler

noun

: earthworm
especially : a large earthworm found on the soil surface at night and used for fish bait

Examples of night crawler 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.
Anglers have also found success catching channel catfish and sunfish species using night crawlers either under a bobber or on the bottom. — Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 23 June 2024 Jigs can be tipped with any variety of soft plastics or live bait like minnows, leeches, or night crawlers. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of night crawler was in 1896

Rhymes for night crawler

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Browse Nearby Words

night court
night crawler
night crow
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Cite this Entry

“Night crawler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/night%20crawler. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

night crawler

noun
: earthworm
especially : a large earthworm found on the soil surface at night and often used as bait for fish

More from Merriam-Webster on night crawler

Nglish: Translation of night crawler for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about night crawler

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