beetle

//ˈbiːtl//
B1Frequency Level 10Neutral
Visual representation of beetle

Noun

beetleSingular
beetlesPlural
1

An insect of the order Coleoptera, characterized by a hard shell-like pair of front wings that cover and protect the membranous hind wings.

A shiny black beetle crawled across the garden path.

2

A heavy mallet or wooden hammer used for driving wedges, ramming paving stones, or crushing.

The worker used a beetle to drive the wooden wedges into the log.

Synonym

Verb

1

To move quickly; to scurry or hurry.

The children beetled across the playground to get to the swings.

2

(Of eyebrows) to project or overhang threateningly.

His thick eyebrows beetled over his stern eyes.