Dictionary
weevil
noun wee·vil \ˈwē-vəl\
: a small insect that eats grains and seeds and that can ruin crops
Full Definition of WEEVIL
: any of a superfamily (Curculionoidea) of beetles which have the head prolonged into a more or less distinct snout and which include many that are destructive especially as larvae to nuts, fruit, and grain or to living plants; especially : any of a family (Curculionidae) having a well-developed snout curved downward with the jaws at the tip and clubbed usually elbowed antennae
— wee·vily or wee·vil·ly \ˈwēv-lē, ˈwē-və-lē\ adjective
See weevil defined for English-language learners
See weevil defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of WEEVIL
Origin of WEEVIL
Middle English wevel, from Old English wifel; akin to Old High German wibil beetle, Old English wefan to weave
First Known Use: before 12th century
WEEVILLY Defined for Kids
weevil
noun wee·vil \ˈwē-vəl\
Definition of WEEVIL for Kids
: a small beetle that has a long snout and often feeds on and is harmful to plants or plant products (as nuts, fruit, and grain)
Learn More About WEEVIL
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up weevil? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).