water boatman

noun

1. any of numerous aquatic insects of the family Corixidae, having paddlelike hind legs.

water boatman

noun

1. any of various aquatic bugs of the families Notonectidae and Corixidae, having a flattened body and oarlike hind legs, adapted for swimming

Word History and Origins

Origin of water boatman¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

We like to think of the water boatman cheerily rowing about and diving among the reflections of the trees.

From Project Gutenberg

Then there is the water-boatman, which always swims on its back.

From Project Gutenberg

The water boatman is much more compact in form than the Orthoptera, or any of the other insects we have studied.

From Project Gutenberg

Unlike the water boatman, however, its back is not flat but is shaped like the keel of a boat.

From Project Gutenberg

The insect known as the water boatman has a regular pair of oars, his legs being used as such.

From Project Gutenberg