coleoptera

plural noun

co·​le·​op·​tera ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə How to pronounce coleoptera (audio)
: insects that are beetles
coleopterist noun
coleopterous adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, ultimately from Greek koleon sheath + pteron wing — more at feather

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coleoptera was in 1771

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coleoptera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coleoptera. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

coleoptera

plural noun
co·​le·​op·​tera ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə How to pronounce coleoptera (audio)
: insects that are beetles
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