beaver: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal (except when used in vulgar slang, which is highly informal). Technical in zoological contexts.
Quick answer
What does “beaver” mean?
A large, semiaquatic rodent with a broad flat tail, known for building dams and lodges from wood.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, semiaquatic rodent with a broad flat tail, known for building dams and lodges from wood.
1. The fur of this animal. 2. A person who is hard-working and diligent. 3. (vulgar slang) The female pubic area. 4. (historical) A type of tall hat made of beaver fur.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning is identical. The term 'eager beaver' (an enthusiastic, hard-working person) is used in both, though slightly more common in American English. The vulgar slang meaning is recognized in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, the animal connotes industriousness and construction due to its dam-building. In North America, it is a national symbol of Canada, carrying stronger cultural weight.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in North American English due to the animal's prominence as a national symbol and historical role in the fur trade.
Grammar
How to Use “beaver” in a Sentence
beaver away (at something)work like a beaverVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beaver” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's been beavering away in the library all weekend.
- I need to beaver on with this report before the deadline.
American English
- She's beavering away at her startup, trying to get funding.
- He beavered through the paperwork in record time.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'beaver' is not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'beaver' is not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The beaver population along the River Otter is thriving. (attributive noun)
- He had a old beaver hat from his grandfather.
American English
- The beaver dam created a new wetland habitat. (attributive noun)
- They studied beaver activity in the state park.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; occasionally used metaphorically: 'The new intern is a real eager beaver.'
Academic
Common in biology, ecology, and environmental science texts discussing keystone species and ecosystem engineers.
Everyday
Common when discussing wildlife, nature documentaries, or using the idiom 'eager beaver'.
Technical
Specific in zoology (family Castoridae). Used in hydrology and environmental engineering regarding beaver dams' impact on waterways.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beaver”
- Misspelling as 'beever' or 'bevor'. Using the vulgar slang meaning in inappropriate contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has several meanings. The most common is the animal, but it can also mean a hard-working person (e.g., 'eager beaver') and has a vulgar slang meaning. Context tells you which is intended.
It means to work very hard and persistently at something, often for a long time. It comes from the image of a beaver constantly building its dam.
The difference is minimal. In British English, the final 'r' is often not pronounced (/ˈbiːvə/), while in American English it is a rhotic /r/ (/ˈbiːvər/).
The beaver fur trade was a major economic driver in the 17th-19th centuries, fuelling exploration, colonization, and conflict in Canada and the northern United States. The beaver is also the national animal of Canada.
A large, semiaquatic rodent with a broad flat tail, known for building dams and lodges from wood.
Beaver is usually neutral to informal (except when used in vulgar slang, which is highly informal). technical in zoological contexts. in register.
Beaver: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːvə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbiːvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “eager beaver”
- “busy as a beaver”
- “beaver away”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A BEAVER is a BELIEVER in hard work, always BUSY building.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDUSTRIOUSNESS IS BEAVER-LIKE ACTIVITY (e.g., 'beavering away at a project').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct use of 'beaver' as a verb?