vermin

From Middle English vermyn, vermyne, from Old French vermine, from Vulgar Latin *verminum (“vermin”), collective noun formed from Latin vermis (“worm”). See also worm.

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈvɝmɪn/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈvɜːmɪn/

• Audio (Southern England)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)mɪn

vermin (countable and uncountable, plural vermin or vermins)

1. (countable or uncountable) Any one of various common types of small insects or animals which cause harm and annoyance. [from c. 1300]

   The area was plagued by all sorts of vermin: fleas, lice, mice, and rats to name a few.

2. (countable or uncountable) Animals that prey on game, such as foxes or weasels.
3. (countable or uncountable) Obnoxious, or mean and offensive person or people. [from 1560s]

   Bring these vermin to the Palace of Justice.

• verminicide

• varmint

• Mervin