vermin
nounattested in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈvɜːmɪn//
- United Kingdom/[ˈvɜːmɪn]/
- United States//ˈvɝmɪn//
- United States/[ˈvɝmɪn]/
Any of various common types of small insects or other animals which cause harm and annoyance.
noun
- 1
Any of various common types of small insects or other animals which cause harm and annoyance.
The area was crawling with all sorts of vermin: fleas, lice, mice, and rats to name a few. Thus, we felt as if vermin were crawling over us.
Vermin was everywhere; night and day it crawled gaily over the walls and ceiling, about our bodies, and into our very food, and, although the subject did not interest us, a naturalist would have delighted in the ever-changing varieties of insect life.
- 2
An animal that preys on game, such as a fox or a weasel.
- 3
An obnoxious or mean and offensive person.
Bring these vermin to the Palace of Justice.
Etymology
From Middle English vermyn, vermyne, from Old French vermine, from Vulgar Latin *verminum (“vermin”), collective noun formed from Latin vermis (“worm”). Compare vermiculate and vermivorous. See also worm.
Forms
- plural
- vermins
vermin · Any of various common types of small insects or other animals which cause harm and annoyance.
Vermont · A state of the United States. Capital: Montpelier.Vern · A diminutive of the male given name Vernon.Verne · A surname from French.