NYT Dictionary

LARVA

/ˈlɑɹ.və/
NounLAR-valar-va · 2 syllablesGrade 4

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

An early stage of growth for insects and some amphibians, in which after hatching from their egg, insects are wingless and resemble a caterpillar or grub, and amphibians lack limbs and resemble fish.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From Latin larva (“disembodied spirit, ghost, goblin”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

larvaapparitionappearanceastralbansheebeetlebugcaterpillarcentipedecontrol

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 6 recorded puzzles:

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