beaver

1 of 3

noun (1)

bea·​ver ˈbē-vər 

plural beavers

1

or plural beaver

a

: either of two large semiaquatic herbivorous rodents comprising a family (Castoridae including Castor canadensis of North America and C. fiber of Eurasia), having webbed hind feet and a broad flat scaly tail, and constructing dams and partially submerged lodges

b

: the fur or pelt of the beaver

2

a

: a hat made of beaver fur or a fabric imitation

b

: silk hat

3

: a heavy fabric of felted wool or of cotton napped on both sides

4

vulgar : the genitals of a female especially when covered with pubic hair

beaver

2 of 3

noun (2)

1

: a piece of armor protecting the lower part of the face

2

: a helmet visor

Illustration of beaver

• B beaver 1

beaver

3 of 3

verb

beavered; beavering; beavers

intransitive verb

: to work energetically

beavering away at the problem

Synonyms

Verb

• bang away
• dig (away)
• drudge
• endeavor
• fag
• grub
• hump
• hustle
• labor
• moil
• peg (away)
• plod
• plow
• plug
• slave
• slog
• strain
• strive
• struggle
• sweat
• toil
• travail
• tug
• work

Examples of beaver in a Sentence

Verb

he's been beavering away at the various courses for his dinner party all day long, hoping to impress his new friends

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Beaver Moon takes its name from early Native American tribes as well as American colonists, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, when beavers begin sheltering in their lodges after gathering enough food to last the winter. —John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024

The beaver moon was named after the time of year when beavers begin hibernation. —Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 15 Nov. 2024

According to the Farmers' Almanac, the name comes from the time of year when beavers are active, preparing for winter, building dams and gathering food. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 15 Nov. 2024

In 2024, at the Cairngorms estate, the first Scottish beaver was born in the wild in centuries. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English bever, from Old English beofor; akin to Old High German bibar beaver, and probably to Old English brūn brown — more at brown

Noun (2)

Middle English baviere, from Middle French

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1946, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing beaver

• beaver away
• beaver dam
• eager beaver

Kids Definition

beaver

1 of 2 noun

bea·​ver ˈbē-vər 

plural beaver or beavers

1

: a large plant-eating rodent that has webbed hind feet and a broad flat tail and that builds dams and houses of mud and branches which are partly underwater

2

: the fur of a beaver

beaver

2 of 2 noun

: a piece of armor protecting the lower part of the face

Geographical Definition

Beaver

geographical name

Bea·​ver ˈbē-vər 

1

river 280 miles (451 kilometers) long in northwestern Oklahoma forming the upper course of the North Canadian River

2

river 305 miles (491 kilometers) long Canada in Alberta and Saskatchewan flowing east into the Churchill River