carpet beetle

noun

: any of several small dermestid beetles (genera Anthrenus and Attagenus) whose larvae are destructive especially to woolen goods

Examples of carpet beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mothballs only work for moths and carpet beetles. Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 24 May 2026 Moths, silverfish, and carpet beetles thrive in dark, undisturbed places. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026 Adult carpet beetles tend to enter the home by flying through open windows and doors, particularly during spring and summer. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025 They can sometimes be mistaken for bed bugs due to their size and shape, but unlike bed bugs, carpet beetles have wings and can fly. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 29 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carpet beetle was circa 1889

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Cite this Entry

“Carpet beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carpet%20beetle. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

carpet beetle

noun
: a small beetle whose larva damages woolen goods

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