scarab

American  

[skar-uhb] / ˈskær əb /

noun

1. any scarabaeid beetle, especially Scarabaeus sacer, regarded as sacred by the ancient Egyptians.

2. a representation or image of a beetle, much used among the ancient Egyptians as a symbol, seal, amulet, or the like.

3. a gem cut to resemble a beetle.

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scarab British  

/ ˈskærəb /

noun

1. any scarabaeid beetle, esp Scarabaeus sacer ( sacred scarab ), regarded by the ancient Egyptians as divine

2. the scarab as represented on amulets, etc, of ancient Egypt, or in hieroglyphics as a symbol of the solar deity

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Etymology

Origin of scarab

First recorded in 1570–80; short for scarabaeus

Example Sentences

By chance, Jaime crosses paths with a mystical blue scarab that attaches itself to him, and he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.

From Salon • Sep. 3, 2023

He must ensure the scarab does not fall into the wrong hands while also trying to protect his family.

From Reuters • Aug. 15, 2023

One day, the patient was recounting a dream in which she’d received a golden scarab.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2022

The grubs are the larvae of the European chafer, a nonnative scarab beetle first spotted in Washington state in 2008.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 10, 2021

“There’s something funny, though,” said Hermione ten minutes later, holding her pestle suspended over a bowl of scarab beetles.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling