June bug

or Junebug

noun

1. Also called May beetle. any of several large, brown beetles of the genus Phyllophaga, of the scarab family, appearing in late spring and early summer.
2. green June beetle.
3. Chiefly Northern and North Midland U.S. a firefly.

June bug

noun

1. any of various large brown North American scarabaeid beetles that are common in late spring and early summer, esp any of the genus Polyphylla Also calledMay beetleMay bug

Word History and Origins

Origin of June bug¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

He looked up from the June bug he had caught and tied to a string.

From Literature

Unlike cicadas, June bugs are an annual nuisance.

From New York Times

June bugs, tailgates, sprawling skies, honking cars and all.

From New York Times

Tiny spiders and June bugs imitated real insects; breathtaking writing machines achieved perfect penmanship through mechanical means.

From Washington Post

The school had an empty, dried-out look, like the shell of a June bug on the bark of a tree.

From Literature