Japanese beetle

noun

: a small metallic green and brown scarab beetle (Popillia japonica) that has been introduced into eastern North America from Japan and as a grub feeds on the roots of grasses and decaying vegetation and as an adult eats foliage and fruits

Illustration of Japanese beetle

Examples of Japanese beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While time-consuming, physically removing the beetles or using barriers, such as mesh around your flowers, is the best way to protect your zinnias from Japanese beetles. — The Spruce, 21 July 2026

Using Broad-Spectrum Pesticides Although pesticides are intended to treat nuisance insects, like aphids, cabbage loopers, and Japanese beetles, many of these chemicals can harm fireflies just as easily as the pests they're intended to treat. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026

Grubs, the larvae of beetles such as Japanese beetles and June bugs, pose a significant threat to many plants by feeding on their roots while residing in the soil. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026

Japanese beetles are social feeders that travel in groups to destroy gardens. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Japanese beetle

• centripetal
• decretal
• varietal
• fetal
• foetal

Kids Definition

Japanese beetle

noun

: a small glossy green and brown beetle introduced into America from Japan that as a grub feeds on the roots of grasses and on decaying vegetation and as an adult eats leaves, flowers, and fruits