English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

weevil

WEEVL

Weevil (noun) means any of tens of thousands of species of small beetles, many with a distinctive elongated snout, that typically feed on plants or stored grain. Example: “The flour had become infested with tiny weevils.”

noun
1
Any of tens of thousands of species of small beetles, many with a distinctive elongated snout, that typically feed on plants or stored grain.
"The flour had become infested with tiny weevils."
"Weevils can cause serious damage to stored grain if left unchecked."

How to use weevil

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small, often snouted beetle known for damaging crops and stored grain.

Common pairings
grain weevil weevil infestation boll weevil

Word forms

weevils plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “weevil” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The flour had become infested with tiny _____.

Etymology

From Old English wifel ("beetle"), from a very old root meaning "to weave," possibly referring to the woven-looking case a weevil larva builds around itself.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for weevil

See all rhymes for weevil →

Frequently asked questions

What does “weevil” mean?

The word “weevil” means any of tens of thousands of species of small beetles, many with a distinctive elongated snout, that typically feed on plants or stored grain. In plain terms, a small, often snouted beetle known for damaging crops and stored grain.

How do you pronounce “weevil”?

“Weevil” is pronounced WEEVL (/ˈwiːvɪl/ in IPA).

How do you use “weevil” in a sentence?

Here is “weevil” used in a sentence: “The flour had become infested with tiny weevils.”

What part of speech is “weevil”?

“Weevil” is a noun.

Where does the word “weevil” come from?

The word “weevil” comes from Old English. From Old English wifel ("beetle"), from a very old root meaning "to weave," possibly referring to the woven-looking case a weevil larva builds around itself.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial