June bug

or Junebug

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noun

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.

green June beetle.

Chiefly Northern and North Midland U.S. a firefly.

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Origin of June bug

First recorded in 1825–35

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use June bug in a sentence

Between the second and third seasons of The O.C., McKenzie went off and shot his first feature film, the indie drama Junebug.
Ben McKenzie’s Journey From Reluctant Teen Idol on ‘The O.C.’ to Sheriff of ‘Gotham’|Marlow Stern|November 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I heard Captain Porter tell father that they would be down on us, like a hawk on a Junebug, before we see the sun rise again.
Frank in the Mountains|Harry Castlemon
But Jennie Junebug spoke up at once and said she would be delighted to accompany Mrs. Ladybug.
The Tale of Betsy Butterfly|Arthur Scott Bailey
"It's too bad she's not here," Mrs. Ladybug remarked to her friend Jennie Junebug, who accompanied her.
The Tale of Betsy Butterfly|Arthur Scott Bailey

That terrible Jennie Junebug didn't care whether I ever got my breath or not.
The Tale of Mrs. Ladybug|Arthur Scott Bailey
Perhaps Jennie Junebug wasn't so bad, at heart, as Mrs. Ladybug thought her.
The Tale of Mrs. Ladybug|Arthur Scott Bailey

British Dictionary definitions for June bug

June bug

June beetle

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012