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

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

The necklace was designed as a graduated fringe, according to Hancocks London, and features motifs such as a winged enamel scarab, a large faience scarab and a carved carnelian shell. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024

Only on scarab can be attached to an enemy at once. —Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

Along with evidence of soldiers’ daily provisions, researchers found accessories and toiletries, like ivory applicators for kohl eyeliner, necklaces of carnelian and faience beads shaped like pomegranate blossoms, and scarabs engraved with deities’ names, per the statement. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 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