earworm

English

/ˈɪəwɜːm/, /ˈɪ(ə)ɹˌwɚm/

noun
Definitions
  • A tune that keeps replaying in one's head or that one keeps thinking about, especially if unwanted.
  • (originally) (“larva of the moths (syn. ) and , which are agricultural pests”).
  • (archaic) An earwig.

Etymology

Compound from English ear (fruiting body of grain, auditory organ) + English worm.

Origin

English

worm

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms