borer

noun

bor·​er ˈbȯr-ər How to pronounce borer (audio)
1
: a tool used for boring
2
a
b
: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants

Examples of borer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To avert a fig tree borer infestation, use a net around the base of the tree to stop this pest from laying eggs near the fig tree. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024 So coffee plants that have scale insects are better protected from coffee borer than those without, because these are foraging places for ants. Lesley Evans Ogden, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Jan. 2024 Larger fresh woodchips can bring deadly borers into your garden. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2023 Hire a certified arborist to remove weak or dead branches, check for borer infestations, structural integrity and so on. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2023 There is also an insect called bronze birch borer that causes decline in birch trees. oregonlive, 6 Aug. 2023 Emerald ash borer is expected to kill 99% of Wisconsin's ash trees While spongy moth caterpillars might be the most prevalent threat to Wisconsin's trees, emerald ash borer ― the infamous beetle species native to Eastern Asia ― is by far the deadliest. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2023 First week: If necessary, second spray for peach tree borer and/or peach twig borer. oregonlive, 1 Aug. 2022 Make sure any fresh wood chips are smaller than an inch, to avoid bringing deadly borers onto your property. - Vegetables: Mulch with straw, not hay. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'borer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of borer was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near borer

Cite this Entry

“Borer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/borer. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

borer

noun
bor·​er ˈbōr-ər How to pronounce borer (audio)
ˈbȯr-
1
: one that bores
especially : a tool used for boring
2
a
b
: an insect that bores in the woody parts of plants
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!