june bug

noun

often capitalized J
: any of numerous rather large leaf-eating scarab beetles (subfamily Melolonthinae) that fly chiefly in late spring and have larvae that are white grubs which live in soil and feed chiefly on the roots of grasses and other plants

called also june beetle

Examples of june bug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Each one features a different whimsical dinner guest—a ladybug, striped beetle, and june bug. Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 18 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of june bug was circa 1831

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Cite this Entry

“June bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/june%20bug. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

june bug

noun
often capitalized J
: any of various large leaf-eating beetles which fly chiefly in late spring and whose larvae are white grubs that live in soil and feed on roots

called also june beetle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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