tumblebug

[ tuhm-buhl-buhg ]

noun

1. any of several dung beetles that roll balls of dung in which they deposit their eggs and in which the young develop.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tumblebug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; tumble + bug ¹

Example Sentences

Yet I'm always gay and snug, happy as a tumblebug, having still the best of times, grinding out my blame fool rhymes!

From Project Gutenberg

It was only a tumblebug, but he shrank from putting foot on any living thing.

From Project Gutenberg