tumblebug
noun
tum·ble·bug
ˈtəm-bəl-ˌbəg 
: any of various scarab beetles (especially genera Scarabaeus, Canthon, Copris, or Phanaeus) that roll dung into small balls, bury them in the ground, and lay eggs in them
Word History
First Known Use
1805, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near tumblebug
Cite this Entry
“Tumblebug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumblebug. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
tumblebug
noun
tum·ble·bug
ˈtəm-bəl-ˌbəg
: a large stout-bodied beetle that rolls dung into small balls, buries them in the ground, and lays its eggs in them
More from Merriam-Webster on tumblebug
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tumblebug
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