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

Her amazement at the sight of the scarab sparked a positive change in the woman’s psyche. —Diane Owens Prettyman, Austin American-Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

Along with the 11 sealed burials, the archaeologists also found jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, armlets, two copper mirrors with ivory handles, and scarab rings and girdles made of carnelian, garnet, faience and feldspar. —Brie Stimson, Fox News, 3 Nov. 2024

In the middle of the session, as the woman recounted her dream, a green and gold scarab flew into the office. —Diane Owens Prettyman, Austin American-Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

There are balling-up-the-blanket moments as stampeding scarabs devour treasure hunters or when the skeletal and not-yet-human Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) attacks victims with the help of that dastardly Beni (Kevin J. O’Connor), but the violence is largely unseen. —Dustin Nelson, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French scarabee, from Latin scarabaeus

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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