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
Archaeologists say Nitzan picked up an ancient Canaanite scarab that dates to the Middle Bronze Age.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
An expert has determined that the item was a Canaanite scarab from the Middle Bronze Age, around 3,800 years ago.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Ancient Egyptians saw some scarabs as representations of new life because the insects are known for rolling balls of dung and then laying their eggs in them, the Israel Antiquities Authority said.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
The scarab was either used as a seal or amulet, according to Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarab
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Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025
An expert has determined that the item was a Canaanite scarab from the Middle Bronze Age, around 3,800 years ago.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Ancient Egyptians saw some scarabs as representations of new life because the insects are known for rolling balls of dung and then laying their eggs in them, the Israel Antiquities Authority said.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
The scarab was either used as a seal or amulet, according to Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scarab
Cite this Entry
“Scarab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarab. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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