hookworm
noun
hook·worm
ˈhu̇k-ˌwərm 
1
: any of several parasitic nematode worms (family Ancylostomatidae) that have strong buccal hooks or plates for attaching to the host's intestinal lining and that include serious bloodsucking pests
2
: infestation with or disease caused by hookworms
especially
: a lethargic anemic state in humans due to blood loss from hookworms feeding in the small intestine
Examples of hookworm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Researchers then examined her stool, which revealed the presence of hookworm eggs.
—
Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Puppies had infections and diseases such as giardia, hookworm and parvovirus, Glass said.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025
According to the state, after last year’s rabies scare, the rescue in January and February failed to isolate puppies that were suffering from hookworm infections and were exposed to a littermate with rabies symptoms.
—Max Levy, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2025
In the early 20th century, the American South was crawling with intestinal hookworms.
—Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
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Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Puppies had infections and diseases such as giardia, hookworm and parvovirus, Glass said.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025
According to the state, after last year’s rabies scare, the rescue in January and February failed to isolate puppies that were suffering from hookworm infections and were exposed to a littermate with rabies symptoms.
—Max Levy, The Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2025
In the early 20th century, the American South was crawling with intestinal hookworms.
—Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hookworm
Cite this Entry
“Hookworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hookworm. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hookworm
noun
hook·worm
-ˌwərm
1
: a parasitic nematode worm having strong hooks or plates about the mouth
2
: a diseased state marked by blood loss, paleness, and weakness due to hookworms in the intestine
called also hookworm disease
Medical Definition
hookworm
noun
hook·worm
ˈhu̇k-ˌwərm
1
: any of several parasitic nematode worms of the family Ancylostomatidae that have strong buccal hooks or plates for attaching to the host's intestinal lining and that include serious bloodsucking pests
2
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