June bug

American  

Or Junebug

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.

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June bug British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of June bug

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Lost in Pioneer Square, she had veered toward the neon sign like a June bug toward a flame.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 13, 2020

Largemouth bass are good on medium-sized crankbaits, June bug or watermelon colored plastic worms, bladed jigs, and swimbaits.

From Washington Times • Oct. 21, 2020

There is also the time when a giant June bug landed on the field during a game.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2016

"It's going to infuriate the environmentalists who are going to be on this like a duck on a June bug," Dingell said.

From Reuters • Feb. 8, 2012

The day before we were to leave, I was as nervous as a June bug in a henhouse.

From "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls