scarab

noun

scar·​ab ˈsker-əb 

ˈska-rəb

1

: any of a family (Scarabaeidae) of stout-bodied beetles (such as a dung beetle) with lamellate or fan-shaped antennae

2

: a stone or faience beetle used in ancient Egypt as a talisman, ornament, and a symbol of resurrection

Examples of scarab in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More recently, however, Raul persuaded his father to downsize the scarabs from about six centimeters, or almost 2.5 inches, to as small as 1.5 centimeters. —Kathleen Beckett, New York Times, 20 May 2025

The scarabs are about the size of the palm of your hand. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025

The scarab also had religious messages and meanings for the Egyptians. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025

The Egyptians thought the scarab symbolized the incarnation of God the Creator. Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, who works with ancient amulets and seals, told the Israel Antiquities Authority that the seal scarabs were also used as amulets. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French scarabee, from Latin scarabaeus

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for scarab

• arab

Kids Definition

scarab

noun

scar·​ab ˈskar-əb 

1

: any of a family of large stout beetles (as a dung beetle)

2

: an ornament or a gem made to represent a scarab

especially : one used in ancient Egypt as a symbol of eternal life