Words / A1

BEETL/ˈbiːtl/

A beetle is an insect with a hard round back, like a little shell. Countable: a beetle, beetles. A fly is softer and has two wings you see; a ladybird is a kind of beetle with spots. An ant is smaller and lives in a nest. Mix-up: beat (to hit, or win) — extra le.

Meaning

An insect with a hard round back.

Examples

• “A black beetle walked across the path.”
• “A shiny beetle sat on the leaf.”
• “The children found beetles under the log.”

Good to know

a beetle (hard back). Contrast: fly (softer), ant (smaller). Related: ladybird.

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