# termite

/ˈtɝmaɪt/ (US) · /tˈɜːmaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/termite
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a small insect that lives in groups and eats wood. They can cause a lot of damage to houses and trees because they break down the wood.

For teachers: a eusocial insect of the order Isoptera, which lives in colonies and feeds primarily on cellulose found in wood and soil. Often considered a significant structural pest in residential and agricultural contexts.

## Examples

- A termite ate through the wooden fence.
- The inspector found a large termite colony inside the basement walls, which could weaken the house's foundation over time.
- While often viewed as destructive pests, termites play a vital ecological role by breaking down dead plant material and returning nutrients to the soil in tropical ecosystems.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.