Anthill: meaning, definitions and examples

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anthill

 

[ ˈænθˌhɪl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

insect structure

An anthill is a mound of soil and debris constructed by ants as a habitat for their colony. It usually contains various chambers and tunnels where ants live, raise their young, and store food. Anthills can vary in size and complexity depending on the species of ant.

Synonyms

ant hill, ant mound, ant nest

Examples of usage

  • We found an anthill in the backyard.
  • The anthill was bustling with activity.
  • Children observed the ants building the anthill.
  • Anthills can be found in grassy or wooded areas.
  • The anthill was constructed from small bits of soil and leaves.

Translations

Translations of the word "anthill" in other languages:

🇵🇹 formigueiro

🇮🇳 चींटी का घोंसला

🇩🇪 Ameisenhügel

🇮🇩 sarang semut

🇺🇦 мурашник

🇵🇱 mrowisko

🇯🇵 アリ塚

🇫🇷 fourmilière

🇪🇸 hormiguero

🇹🇷 karınca yuvası

🇰🇷 개미집

🇸🇦 مستعمرة النمل

🇨🇿 mraveniště

🇸🇰 mravenisko

🇨🇳 蚁丘

🇸🇮 mravljišče

🇮🇸 mauraveggur

🇰🇿 араның ұясы

🇬🇪 მურა ბუდე

🇦🇿 qarışqa yuvası

🇲🇽 hormiguero

Etymology

The word 'anthill' comes from the combination of 'ant' and 'hill'. The term 'ant' is derived from the Old English word 'ǣmette', which has cognates in various Germanic languages, such as 'Ameise' in German and 'muu' in Dutch. 'Hill', in this context, refers to a naturally raised area of land. The use of the term 'anthill' extends back to the early 19th century, as more structured studies of insect behavior emerged. It highlights not only the physical structure created by ants but also their social organization and the complexities of their interactions within the colony environment. This term reflects the fascination humans have had with observing and understanding insects and their ecosystems.