Anthill - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An anthill is a mound of dirt, sand, or soil built by ants as a nest. It serves as their home and protects the colony inside. Anthills vary in size and shape.
Definition:
A mound of earth built by ants as a nest or colony entrance.
Synonyms:
ant mound, formicary, ant colony
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
(none applicable)
Common Collocations:
build an anthill, observe an anthill, disturb an anthill
Derivatives:
anthills (plural)
Usage Tips:
Use "anthill" to describe the visible part of an ant nest, not the underground tunnels.
Common Phrases:
busy as an anthill, like ants around an anthill
Etymology:
From Old English "ǣmete" (ant) + "hyll" (hill), meaning a hill made by ants.
Examples:
- 1. The children watched the ants swarm around the anthill.
- 2. An anthill can grow quite large if left undisturbed.
- 3. She accidentally stepped on an anthill and was quickly covered in ants.
- 4. The scientist studied the intricate structure of the anthill for hours.