Weevil

/ˈwiː.vəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small beetle of the family Curculionidae, known for its elongated snout and its habit of feeding on plants, particularly grains and seeds.

The farmer noticed signs of infestation when he discovered weevils in the stored grain.

Any of various other small beetles resembling the true weevils, often causing damage to crops.

After inspecting the garden, she realized that weevils had ruined her tomato plants.

A term used to refer to any pest or insect that damages stored food products.

Restaurants must take precautions to avoid weevils that could infest their rice and grain supplies.

From Old English 'wēofel', related to the Middle Dutch 'wifvel', meaning 'to sweep'.

weevil in the grain

A phrase indicating a problem that can affect a once-healthy situation.

weevil infestation

A reference to an overwhelming presence of pests in a certain area.

beetle

A common name for various insects in the order Coleoptera.

pest

An insect or animal that is detrimental to human activities.

infestation

The presence of a large number of pests in a place.