What does scarab mean?
A scarab is primarily a beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, a diverse group that includes dung beetles and chafers. The word also refers to a carved or molded object depicting such a beetle, especially the small amulets made in ancient Egypt. These objects are commonly associated with the god Khepri, who was connected with the rising sun, and with ideas of protection, rebirth, and regeneration. The beetle’s association with renewal may have arisen partly from its underground life and its role in disposing of dung and renewing soil. In modern English, “scarab” can therefore name either an actual insect or a symbolic artifact modeled on one. Archaeological examples range from simple stone or faience forms to detailed works with inscriptions, wings, or human features. Although its spelling might suggest an exotic or archaic term, scarab remains standard in both biological and historical writing.
nounA scarab is a beetle belonging to the family Scarabaeidae, especially the dung beetles and chafers. By extension, it can refer to an ancient Egyptian amulet shaped like or depicting a scarab beetle.
- A beetle of the family Scarabaeidae, which includes dung beetles, chafers, and related insects.
- An object shaped like or depicting a scarab beetle, especially an ancient Egyptian religious amulet.
"She placed a small carved scarab beside the hieroglyphs in the museum display."
"The naturalist identified the insect as a scarab that had settled on the path."
"The collection includes several ancient Egyptian scarabs carved from glazed stone."
Use “scarabs” for multiple beetles or multiple beetle-shaped amulets.
"The archaeologist found several small scarabs inside the burial chamber."
The scarab beetle became an Egyptian emblem of renewal because its life cycle seemed to mirror the cycle of the sun.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scarab come from?
English “scarab” entered through Latin “scarabaeus,” a term borrowed from the ancient Greek “skarabē,” meaning “beetle.” The English noun was used both for the insect and for beetle-shaped Egyptian amulets. Its cultural history is closely associated with ancient Egypt, where scarab amulets carried religious and protective meanings and were often linked with solar rebirth.
Related word forms
How scarab is actually used
In zoological contexts, “scarab” refers to members of the beetle family Scarabaeidae. In cultural and historical contexts, it usually denotes a beetle-shaped Egyptian amulet associated with protection and regeneration.