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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.

anthill

/ˈænthɪl/ /ˈænthɪl/

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.

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