woolly bear
"Woolly bear" often refers to a fuzzy caterpillar and is associated with folklore about predicting winter severity.
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Definition
B2Entomology
(common)The larval stage of the Isabella tiger moth, known for its fuzzy appearance with black and reddish-brown or orange bands.
Example
- The woolly bear caterpillar is often seen in the fall, crawling across roads and sidewalks.
- Folklore suggests that the woolly bear's band colors can predict the harshness of the coming winter.
B2Colloquial
(informal)A general term for any hairy caterpillar.
Example
- Kids love to find woolly bears in the garden and watch them crawl.
- Woolly bears are a common sight in many parts of the country during autumn.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "woolly bear":
wool mothwoolly backwoolly woofterwoolly nightshadeflower mothermine mothbumblebee mothwinter mothbee mothcabbage wormpuss mothwax mothhairy mollymagpie mothmiller moth