¹beaver

noun bea·ver \ˈbē-vər\

plural beavers

Definition of BEAVER

or plural beaver

a : either of two large semiaquatic herbivorous rodents comprising a family (Castoridae including Castor canadensis of North America and C. fiber of Eurasia), having webbed hind feet and a broad flat scaly tail, and constructing dams and partially submerged lodges

b : the fur or pelt of the beaver

a : a hat made of beaver fur or a fabric imitation

b : silk hat

: a heavy fabric of felted wool or of cotton napped on both sides

usually vulgar : the pudenda of a woman

Origin of BEAVER

Middle English bever, from Old English beofor; akin to Old High German bibar beaver, and probably to Old English brūn brown — more at brown

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with BEAVER

cleaver, fever, griever, heaver, leaver, reaver, reiver, weaver

²beaver

noun

Definition of BEAVER

: a piece of armor protecting the lower part of the face

: a helmet visor

Illustration of BEAVER

Origin of BEAVER

Middle English baviere, from Middle French

First Known Use: 15th century

³beaver

verb

Definition of BEAVER

intransitive verb

: to work energetically <beavering away at the problem>

See beaver defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of BEAVER

1946

Beaver

geographical name Bea·ver \ˈbē-vər\

Definition of BEAVER

river 280 miles (451 kilometers) NW Oklahoma forming upper course of the North Canadian

river 305 miles (491 kilometers) Canada in Alberta & Saskatchewan flowing E into the Churchill

BEAVER Defined for Kids

beaver

noun bea·ver \ˈbē-vər\

Definition of BEAVER for Kids

: an animal that has thick brown fur, webbed hind feet, and a broad flat tail, that cuts down trees with its teeth, and that builds dams and houses of sticks and mud in water