-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
digger wasp
noun
: a burrowing wasp
especially
: any of numerous usually solitary wasps (superfamily Sphecoidea) that dig nest burrows in the soil and provision them with insects or spiders paralyzed by stinging
Examples of digger wasp in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cicada killer wasps, also known as the eastern cicada killer or cicada hawks, are a species of the large digger wasp that preys on cicadas.
—Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024
Such is the life of the Australian plague locust, a common pest that is targeted by the black digger wasp.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2011
However, your photo does look similar to a great golden digger wasp which in spite of its large size is not particularly aggressive.
—oregonlive, 16 Aug. 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1880, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near digger wasp
Cite this Entry
“Digger wasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/digger%20wasp. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
digger wasp
noun
dig·ger wasp
ˈdig-ər-
: a burrowing wasp
especially
: one that digs nests in the soil and stocks them with insects or spiders paralyzed by stinging
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share