beetle

noun (1)

bee·tle | \ ˈbē-tᵊl

Definition of beetle

(Entry 1 of 5)

1 : any of an order (Coleoptera) of insects having four wings of which the outer pair are modified into stiff elytra that protect the inner pair when at rest

2 : any of various insects resembling a beetle

beetle

verb (1)

beetled; beetling\ ˈbē-tᵊl-iŋ

Definition of beetle (Entry 2 of 5)

intransitive verb

: to scurry like a beetle editors beetled around the office

beetle

noun (2)

Definition of beetle (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : a heavy wooden hammering or ramming instrument

2 : a wooden pestle or bat for domestic tasks

beetle

adjective

Definition of beetle (Entry 4 of 5)

: being prominent and overhanging beetle brows

beetle

verb (2)

beetled; beetling\ ˈbē-tᵊl-iŋ

Definition of beetle (Entry 5 of 5)

intransitive verb

: project, jut to scale the beetling crags— R. L. Stevenson

First Known Use of beetle

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

circa 1919, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1602, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for beetle

Noun (1)

Middle English betylle, from Old English bitula; akin to bītan to bite

Noun (2)

Middle English betel, from Old English bīetel; akin to Old English bēatan to beat

Adjective

Middle English bitel-browed having overhanging brows, probably from betylle, bitel beetle

Verb (2)

verbal derivative of beetle entry 4

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for beetle

beetle

noun

bee·tle | \ ˈbē-tᵊl

Kids Definition of beetle

1 : any of a group of insects with four wings the outer pair of which are stiff cases that cover the others when folded

2 : an insect that looks like a beetle

Keep scrolling for more

beetle

Definition of beetle

First Known Use of beetle

History and Etymology for beetle

Kids Definition of beetle

WORD OF THE DAY