beetle
1any of numerous insects of the order Coleoptera, characterized by hard, horny forewings that cover and protect the membranous flight wings.
(loosely) any of various insects resembling the beetle, as a cockroach.
Chiefly British. to move quickly; scurry: He beetled off to catch the train.
Origin of beetle
1Other definitions for beetle (2 of 3)
a heavy hammering or ramming instrument, usually of wood, used to drive wedges, force down paving stones, compress loose earth, etc.
any of various wooden instruments for beating linen, mashing potatoes, etc.
to use a beetle on; drive, ram, beat, or crush with a beetle.
to finish (cloth) with a beetling machine.
Origin of beetle
2Other words from beetle
- beetler, noun
Other definitions for beetle (3 of 3)
projecting; overhanging: beetle brows.
Origin of beetle
3Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for beetle (1 of 3)
/ (ˈbiːtəl) /
any insect of the order Coleoptera, having biting mouthparts and forewings modified to form shell-like protective elytra: Related adjective: coleopteran
a game played with dice in which the players draw or assemble a beetle-shaped form
informal to scuttle or scurry; hurry
Origin of beetle
1British Dictionary definitions for beetle (2 of 3)
/ (ˈbiːtəl) /
a heavy hand tool, usually made of wood, used for ramming, pounding, or beating
a machine used to finish cloth by stamping it with wooden hammers
to beat or pound with a beetle
to finish (cloth) by means of a beetle
Origin of beetle
2British Dictionary definitions for beetle (3 of 3)
/ (ˈbiːtəl) /
(intr) to overhang; jut
overhanging; prominent
Origin of beetle
3Derived forms of beetle
- beetling, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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