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May beetle

American  

noun

  1. June bug.


May beetle British  

noun

  1. another name for cockchafer June 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

Etymology

Origin of May beetle

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"You always were a romantic child," observed Ailsa, digging vigorously in the track of a vanishing May beetle.

From Ailsa Paige by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)

While I was writing this paper the chief enemy of the strawberry came blundering and bumping about my lamp—the May beetle.

From The Home Acre by Roe, Edward Payson

Mr. J. F. Jones: I think it is no doubt it is the ordinary May beetle that is doing the mischief.

From Northern Nut Growers Association, Report Of The Proceedings At The Tenth Annual Meeting. Battle Creek, Michigan, December 9 and 10, 1919 by Northern Nut Growers Association

Another insect pest which feeds on the leaves is the June bug or May beetle.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the Thirty-Seventh Annual Report Wooster, Ohio, September 3, 4, 5, 1946 by Northern Nut Growers Association

The largest would be very small in comparison with a May beetle.

From Jungle Peace by Beebe, William

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