sow bug: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Technical (Zoology)
Quick answer
What does “sow bug” mean?
A small, grey, oval-shaped terrestrial crustacean with a segmented, armoured body, often found in damp, dark places.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, grey, oval-shaped terrestrial crustacean with a segmented, armoured body, often found in damp, dark places.
Informally, any of several species of woodlice, especially those in the family Oniscidae. In gardening/agriculture, considered a minor pest as they sometimes feed on young plants.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'sow bug' is primarily American. The common British term is 'woodlouse' (plural: 'woodlice'). The term 'pill bug' (for the rollable variety) is also common in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral and descriptive in North America. Uncommon and potentially confusing in British English; using it might mark the speaker as using American terminology.
Frequency
Common in North American everyday speech, especially among children and gardeners. In the UK, 'woodlouse' is the almost universal term.
Grammar
How to Use “sow bug” in a Sentence
[Subject] found a sow bug [under LOCATION].Sow bugs [verb: crawl, eat, live].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in zoology and biology texts to describe specific families of terrestrial isopods.
Everyday
Used when describing a garden pest or a creature found by children under logs.
Technical
Used to differentiate specific families (Oniscidae) from pill bugs (Armadillidiidae) in entomology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sow bug”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sow bug”
- Pronouncing 'sow' as /soʊ/ (to plant seeds) instead of /saʊ/ (female pig).
- Using 'sow bug' in British English contexts where 'woodlouse' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are generally harmless to humans and do not bite or sting. They can be minor pests in gardens by feeding on seedlings or soft fruits, but they primarily eat decaying organic matter.
Both are types of woodlice. 'Pill bug' typically refers to species (like Armadillidium vulgare) that can roll into a tight ball. 'Sow bug' often refers to species (like Oniscus asellus) that cannot roll up completely and have small tail-like appendages.
The etymology is uncertain. It may relate to the old English word 'sow' for a female pig, perhaps due to the creature's size and shape, or its habit of rooting in damp soil.
They require high humidity. Reduce moisture by fixing leaks, using dehumidifiers, and removing mulch or debris near foundations. They are often just accidental invaders and can be swept up.
A small, grey, oval-shaped terrestrial crustacean with a segmented, armoured body, often found in damp, dark places.
Sow bug is usually informal, technical (zoology) in register.
Sow bug: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaʊ ˌbʌɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaʊ ˌbəɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a female pig (a SOW) rooting in damp soil, and you'll find a BUG like this nearby.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often seen as a tiny, primitive 'tank' or 'armoured vehicle' due to its segmented plates.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinguishing feature between a typical sow bug and a pill bug?