water beetle

noun

: any of numerous oval flattened aquatic beetles (such as a diving beetle or whirligig beetle) that swim by means of their fringed hind legs which act together as oars

Examples of water beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The endangered Hungerford’s crawling water beetle, for example, can live close to potato fields. Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 27 June 2024 Ursula Vernon, aka T. Kingfisher, won the 2023 Hugo for best novel and found inspiration for her acceptance speech in a 2020 study about a species of water beetle that survives being swallowed alive by a frog by escaping through the frog's butt. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of water beetle was circa 1668

Dictionary Entries Near water beetle

Cite this Entry

“Water beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20beetle. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

water beetle

noun
: any of numerous oval flattened beetles (as a whirligig beetle) that are found in water and swim by means of their fringed hind legs which act together as oars

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