Definitions

1. noun

a small moth whose caterpillars produce silk threads, especially the larvae of certain species of the genus Bombyx.

“The silkworms were raised in a controlled environment to harvest their silk.”

2. noun

any of various other insects that produce silk threads, such as certain beetles and flies.

“Some species of beetles are often referred to as silkworms due to their silk production.”

3. verb

to produce silk threads, especially by a silkworm.

“The silkworms were observed to be spinning their cocoons.”