Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

weevil

Syllabification: (wee·vil)
Pronunciation: /ˈwēvəl/
Definition of weevil

noun

  • a small beetle with an elongated snout, the larvae of which typically develop inside seeds, stems, or other plant parts. Many are pests of crops or stored foodstuffs. Also called snout beetle.
    • Curculionidae and other families in the superfamily Curculionoidea: numerous genera
  • informal any small insect that damages stored grain.

Derivatives

weevily

adjective

Origin:

Old English wifel 'beetle', from a Germanic base meaning 'move briskly'

weevil in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of weevil in the British & World English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

logomachy

/ ləˈgɒməki /
noun
an argument about words …