tumblebug

noun

tum·​ble·​bug ˈtəm-bəl-ˌbəg How to pronounce tumblebug (audio)
: any of various scarab beetles (especially genera Scarabaeus, Canthon, Copris, or Phanaeus) that roll dung into small balls, bury them in the ground, and lay eggs in them

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tumblebug was in 1805

Dictionary Entries Near tumblebug

Cite this Entry

“Tumblebug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tumblebug. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

tumblebug

noun
tum·​ble·​bug ˈtəm-bəl-ˌbəg How to pronounce tumblebug (audio)
: a large stout-bodied beetle that rolls dung into small balls, buries them in the ground, and lays its eggs in them

More from Merriam-Webster on tumblebug

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!