dung beetle

noun

: a beetle (such as a tumblebug) that rolls balls of dung in which to lay eggs and on which the larvae feed

Examples of dung beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The top is carved to look like a dung beetle, while the bottom is flat and inscribed with hieroglyphic text. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025 Ancient Egyptians also revered dung beetles because the rolling of the dung balls reminded them of the sun god rolling the sun across the sky, according to the Israel Museum. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025 They’re typically shaped like dung beetles, which ancient Egyptians considered a sacred symbol of new life, per the IAA. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025 The amulet took the shape of a dung beetle, which was sacred in Ancient Egypt as a symbol of new life, per the press release. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 5 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dung beetle

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1634, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dung beetle was circa 1634

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Cite this Entry

“Dung beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dung%20beetle. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

dung beetle

noun
: a beetle (as a tumblebug) that rolls balls of dung in which to lay eggs and on which the larvae feed

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