bean weevil: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Agricultural
Quick answer
What does “bean weevil” mean?
A small beetle, typically of the family Chrysomelidae (or sometimes Bruchidae), whose larvae bore into and feed on beans and other seeds, causing agricultural damage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small beetle, typically of the family Chrysomelidae (or sometimes Bruchidae), whose larvae bore into and feed on beans and other seeds, causing agricultural damage.
More broadly, can refer to any of several small beetles that infest stored beans and pulses, leading to crop loss. In colloquial use, sometimes extended to describe any small pest that ruins a cache of food.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Both varieties use the same term. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Equally neutral and technical in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger-scale commercial bean farming discussions, but the term is low-frequency overall.
Grammar
How to Use “bean weevil” in a Sentence
The [crop] is infested with bean weevils.Farmers must protect [beans] from the bean weevil.The bean weevil has destroyed [the harvest].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bean weevil” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The stored harvest was completely bean-weevilled.
- The pods are beginning to bean-weevil.
American English
- The crop got bean-weeviled during storage.
- If you don't treat the sacks, they'll bean-weevil.
adjective
British English
- We noticed bean-weevil damage in the shipment.
- A bean-weevil infestation is hard to eradicate.
American English
- The bean-weevil problem has worsened this season.
- We need a bean-weevil resistant variety.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In agribusiness reports on crop loss and pest control costs.
Academic
In entomology, agriculture, and food security research papers.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation unless discussing gardening or finding pests in stored dry goods.
Technical
The primary register. Used in agricultural extension documents, pest management guides, and phytosanitary regulations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bean weevil”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bean weevil”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bean weevil”
- Using 'bean weevil' as a general term for any insect on a bean plant (e.g., aphids).
- Misspelling as 'bean weavel' or 'bean weevel'.
- Assuming it is a type of worm (it is a beetle).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While called a 'weevil', many insects termed 'bean weevils' belong to the family Bruchidae (seed beetles), which lack the elongated snout of true weevils (Curculionidae). The common name persists in agriculture.
Yes, they can be brought into homes via infested store-bought dried beans, lentils, or peas. They can then spread to other stored dry goods.
Bean weevils specifically target whole seeds and pulses (beans, peas). Flour beetles (e.g., Tribolium) target processed grains like flour, cereal, and meal. They are different beetle families.
Freezing infested products for at least a week, heating, or discarding them. For prevention, store dried legumes in airtight containers and inspect purchases before storage.
A small beetle, typically of the family Chrysomelidae (or sometimes Bruchidae), whose larvae bore into and feed on beans and other seeds, causing agricultural damage.
Bean weevil is usually technical / agricultural in register.
Bean weevil: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːn ˌwiːv(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbin ˌwivəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'weevil' as an 'evil' bug that gets into your 'beans'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESTRUCTION IS A BORING/CONSUMING ENTITY (The weevil bores into and consumes the bean, destroying it from within).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the term 'bean weevil'?