weevil

noun

wee·​vil ˈwē-vəl 

: any of a superfamily (Curculionoidea) of beetles which have the head prolonged into a more or less distinct snout and which include many that are destructive especially as larvae to nuts, fruit, and grain or to living plants

especially : any of a family (Curculionidae) having a well-developed snout curved downward with the jaws at the tip and clubbed usually elbowed antennae

weevily adjective

or weevilly

ˈwēv-lē,

ˈwē-və-lē 

Illustration of weevil

Examples of weevil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plus, all cereals, grains, nuts, and crackers can attract weevils or pantry moths once packages are opened. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2025

Within a year, the weevil eradicated Azolla filiculoides from most sites, and today, the fern no longer poses a threat to South Africa’s aquatic ecosystems. —Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 22 Nov. 2024

Frond-feeding weevils are present in the United Kingdom, but climatic conditions reduce their efficacy. —Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 22 Nov. 2024

Under the policy the council approved March 27, those trees will be regularly inspected for palm weevil infestations and if a tree appears to have one, it will be removed. —Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wevel, from Old English wifel; akin to Old High German wibil beetle, Old English wefan to weave

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing weevil

• alfalfa weevil
• boll weevil
• Egyptian alfalfa weevil

Kids Definition

weevil

noun

wee·​vil ˈwē-vəl 

: any of a family of mostly small beetles that have the head long and usually curved downward to form a snout bearing the jaws at the tip and that include many that feed on and are very harmful to plants or plant products (as nuts, fruit, and grain) especially as larvae

called also snout beetle

compare boll weevil

weevily adjective

or weevilly

ˈwēv-(ə-)lē