: either of two large semiaquatic herbivorous rodents comprising a family (Castoridae including Castor canadensis of North America and C. fiber of Eurasia), having webbed hind feet and a broad flat scaly tail, and constructing dams and partially submerged lodges
Verb
he's been beavering away at the various courses for his dinner party all day long, hoping to impress his new friends
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Noun
The Seneca Creek attack follows two beaver attacks at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, more than 36 miles away.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
19 Aug. 2026 What Buc-ee’s says is at stake Not unlike its complaints in the past, Buc-ee’s argues that Beaver’s Mini Mart’s logo – a smiling beaver next to the name of the family-ownedstore – is close enough to its branding to create confusion.—
Jason St. Angelo,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2026 Another group that was canoeing in the park also reported a beaver charging at one of their boats.—
Renee Anderson,
CBS News,
19 Aug. 2026 Officials closed the area where the attack occurred, including about a mile of trail and river access points, until further notice as DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service staff and park staff search for the beaver.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beaver
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English bever, from Old English beofor; akin to Old High German bibar beaver, and probably to Old English brūn brown — more at brown
Noun (2)
Middle English baviere, from Middle French
First Known Use
Noun (1)
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
: a large plant-eating rodent that has webbed hind feet and a broad flat tail and that builds dams and houses of mud and branches which are partly underwater
2
: the fur of a beaver
beaver
2 of 2noun
: a piece of armor protecting the lower part of the face