scarab
noun
scar·ab
| \ ˈsker-əb
, ˈska-rəb\
, ˈska-rəb\
Definition of scarab
1
: any of a family (Scarabaeidae) of stout-bodied beetles (such as a dung beetle) with lamellate or fan-shaped antennae
2
: a stone or faience beetle used in ancient Egypt as a talisman, ornament, and a symbol of resurrection
Examples of scarab in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Images of scarabs were believed to bring good fortune, in this world and the next, if sewn in to the wrappings of your mummy. — National Geographic, "6 surprisingly lucky animals around the world," 13 Mar. 2019 In ancient Egypt, the most important amulet was the scarab, usually modeled after the common Egyptian dung beetle, Scarabaeus sacer. — National Geographic, "6 surprisingly lucky animals around the world," 13 Mar. 2019 And a scarab ring (which held amuletic powers in ancient Egypt) features iridescent wings crafted from, what else, but the actual wings of a dung beetle. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "Jeweler Bibi van der Velden Converted a Church Gymnasium Into an Elegant Family Home," 21 Aug. 2018 This image shows the decoration of a large funerary scarab made from green semiprecious stone. — Chris Giles, CNN, "Stunning photos capture Egypt's ancient underworld," 27 Mar. 2018 At Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton used the notion of metamorphosis — as in the life cycle of scarab beetles and butterflies that begin as one thing and end up as something quite different — as a way of exploring hybrid dressing. — Adam Tschorn, latimes.com, "Paris Fashion Week trend takeaway: pops of purple, silver belles, giant jackets, winter florals and haute hybrids," 9 Mar. 2018 Consider the dung-roller scarabs, revered by the Ancient Egyptians and the subjects of many a film documentary. — Richard Jones, Smithsonian, "All Praise The Humble Dung Beetle," 10 Jan. 2018 If that’s the case, this young royal was likely laid to rest wearing a scarab that bore the title of the city’s ruler. — National Geographic, "5,000-Year-Old Cosmetics, Jewelry Show Rise of Ancient Jericho," 19 Dec. 2017 Though a few locals periodically offer tourists – and reporters – scarabs for sale, there’s been no evidence of widespread looting around Qurna for years. — Peter Schwartzstein, Smithsonian, "The Greatest Clash in Egyptian Archaeology May Be Fading, But Anger Lives On," 11 Dec. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scarab.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for scarab
scarab
noun
English Language Learners Definition of scarab
: a large beetle with a black shell
See the full definition for scarab in the English Language Learners Dictionary
scarab
noun
scar·ab
| \ ˈska-rəb
\
\
Kids Definition of scarab
: a large dark beetle used in ancient Egypt as a symbol of eternal life
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