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Weevil - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A weevil is a small beetle with a long snout, often harmful to crops and stored grains. It belongs to the Curculionoidea family and is known for damaging plants.

weevil

/ˈwiːvəl/ /ˈwiːvəl/

Definition:

A small beetle that feeds on plants, often damaging crops or stored grain.

Synonyms:

beetle, pest, borer

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

(none applicable)

Common Collocations:

grain weevil, rice weevil, cotton weevil

Derivatives:

weevily, weevilled

Usage Tips:

Use "weevil" to describe small beetles harmful to crops or stored food; avoid confusion with harmless insects.

Common Phrases:

boll weevil, pea weevil, bean weevil

Etymology:

Originates from Old English *wifel*, related to German *Wiebel*, meaning a small beetle or insect.

Examples:

  • 1. The farmer found weevils in his wheat storage.
  • 2. Weevils can ruin entire harvests if left unchecked.
  • 3. She sprayed pesticide to keep weevils away from her garden.
  • 4. The rice was infested with tiny black weevils.

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