scarab

noun

scar·​ab ˈsker-əb How to pronounce scarab (audio)
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
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More recently, however, Raul persuaded his father to downsize the scarabs from about six centimeters, or almost 2.5 inches, to as small as 1.5 centimeters. Kathleen Beckett, New York Times, 20 May 2025 The scarabs are about the size of the palm of your hand. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025 The scarab also had religious messages and meanings for the Egyptians. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 The Egyptians thought the scarab symbolized the incarnation of God the Creator. Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, who works with ancient amulets and seals, told the Israel Antiquities Authority that the seal scarabs were also used as amulets. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scarab

Word History

Etymology

Middle French scarabee, from Latin scarabaeus

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarab was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Scarab.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarab. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

scarab

noun
scar·​ab ˈskar-əb How to pronounce scarab (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on scarab

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