Catterpilar vs. Caterpillar — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 2, 2024
"Catterpilar" is incorrect; the right spelling is "Caterpillar," referring to the larva of a butterfly or moth, typically having a segmented body and distinct coloration.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Catterpilar or Caterpillar
How to spell Caterpillar?
Catterpilar
Incorrect Spelling
Caterpillar
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember it as “Cater-pi-llar,” rhyming with “later-pi-llar.”
Break down the correct spelling into three syllables: Cat-er-pil-lar.
Associate "Cater" with "waiter" – both serve (as metaphors for transformation).
Notice it sounds like "CAT-er-pillar," not "CATT-er-pilar."
Visualize a cat serving ("catering") a pillar – "Caterpillar."
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How Do You Spell Caterpillar Correctly?
Incorrect: She found a catterpilar on her rose bush.
Correct: She found a caterpillar on her rose bush.
Incorrect: The catterpilar turned into a beautiful butterfly.
Correct: The caterpillar turned into a beautiful butterfly.
Caterpillar Definitions
Caterpillar Inc. is a prominent manufacturer of construction and mining equipment.
Caterpillar symbolizes change and transformation in various cultures.
Caterpillar is a temporary form before metamorphosing into a butterfly or moth.
Caterpillars typically have a plant-based diet.
The wormlike larva of a butterfly or moth.
Any of various insect larvae similar to those of the butterfly or moth.
The larva of a butterfly or moth; leafworm
The bird just ate that green caterpillar.
A vehicle with a caterpillar track; a crawler
(maths) A set of subtrees of a tree
The larval state of a butterfly or any lepidopterous insect; sometimes, but less commonly, the larval state of other insects, as the sawflies, which are also called false caterpillars. The true caterpillars have three pairs of true legs, and several pairs of abdominal fleshy legs (prolegs) armed with hooks. Some are hairy, others naked. They usually feed on leaves, fruit, and succulent vegetables, being often very destructive, Many of them are popularly called worms, as the cutworm, cankerworm, army worm, cotton worm, silkworm.
A plant of the genus Scorpiurus, with pods resembling caterpillars.
A wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth
A large vehicle that is driven by caterpillar tracks; frequently used for moving earth in construction and farm work
Caterpillar refers to the larval stage of butterflies and moths.
The caterpillar eats leaves voraciously.
Caterpillar Meaning in a Sentence
Watching a caterpillar shed its skin is fascinating.
The caterpillar stage can last from a few weeks to several months.
The monarch caterpillar feeds exclusively on milkweed.
The woolly bear caterpillar is believed to predict the severity of winter.
Caterpillar Idioms & Phrases
The caterpillar stage
Refers to an initial or developmental phase before a significant change.
The startup is still in the caterpillar stage, but it has great potential to grow.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Caterpillar?
It comes from the Old French word "catepelose," meaning "hairy cat."
What is the pronunciation of Caterpillar?
/ˈkætərˌpɪlər/
What is the verb form of Caterpillar?
There is no verb form.
Which vowel is used before Caterpillar?
Any vowel may be used based on context.
What is the singular form of Caterpillar?
Caterpillar.
What is the root word of Caterpillar?
The Old French word "catepelose."
Is Caterpillar a noun or adjective?
Noun.
What is the plural form of Caterpillar?
Caterpillars.
Which conjunction is used with Caterpillar?
Not specific; can be “and,” “but,” etc., depending on context.
Which preposition is used with Caterpillar?
Various, e.g., "on" in "Caterpillar on the leaf."
Is Caterpillar a negative or positive word?
Neutral.
Is Caterpillar a countable noun?
Yes.
Is Caterpillar a vowel or consonant?
It is a word, containing both vowels and consonants.
Is the word Caterpillar a Gerund?
No.
How do we divide Caterpillar into syllables?
Cat-er-pil-lar.
What is another term for Caterpillar?
Larva.
Is Caterpillar an adverb?
No.
Is the Caterpillar term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically for transformation.
How many syllables are in Caterpillar?
Four.
Is the word “Caterpillar” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Can be either, based on sentence construction.
What part of speech is Caterpillar?
Noun.
What is a stressed syllable in Caterpillar?
Cat.
Which determiner is used with Caterpillar?
Can be "the," "a," "this," etc., depending on context.
How is Caterpillar used in a sentence?
"The caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly."
Which article is used with Caterpillar?
"A" or "the."
Is Caterpillar an abstract noun?
No.
Is Caterpillar a collective noun?
No.
Is the word Caterpillar imperative?
No.
What is the opposite of Caterpillar?
There is no direct antonym.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
