Word
maggot
Phoneticsmag·got, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmæɡət/
UK/mˈæɡət/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a worm-like creature that is the baby stage of a fly. It is often found in rotting food or dead animals.
n. the larval stage of a fly, typically appearing as a white, legless worm. Often associated with decomposition or forensic science.
Examples
“A maggot was crawling through the old fruit.”
“The forensic team used the presence of a maggot to estimate the time of death at the crime scene.”
“While the sight of a maggot in decaying matter is often considered gross, these larvae play a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic waste and returning nutrients to the soil.”
Examples
simple
“A maggot was crawling through the old fruit.”
contextual
“The forensic team used the presence of a maggot to estimate the time of death at the crime scene.”
complex
“While the sight of a maggot in decaying matter is often considered gross, these larvae play a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic waste and returning nutrients to the soil.”
Real-World Examples
“While many maggots consume dead or decomposing material, screwworm larvae feed on healthy, living flesh.” “The foundation advised horse owners to monitor the animals daily for wounds, foul odor or maggots.” Etymology
From Middle English magot, magat, maked, probably a metathetic alteration of maddock, maðek (“worm", "maggot”), originally a diminutive form of a base represented by Old English maþa (Scots mathe), from Proto-West Germanic maþō, from Proto-Germanic maþô, from the Proto-Indo-European root *mat, which was used in insect names, equivalent to made + -ock. Near-cognates include Dutch made, German Made and Swedish mask, Icelandic maðkur (“worm, grub, maggot”). The use of maggot to mean a fanciful or whimsical thing derives from the folk belief that a whimsical or crotchety person had maggots in their brain.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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