Dor
/dɔːr/noun
A large black beetle, especially one that makes a loud buzzing sound in flight.
Did you know?The word dor is closely associated with the beetle’s deep droning sound, and it survives in the name Dumbledore—literally connected with a buzzing insect.
Etymological Timeline
Early Germanic
Proto-Germanic
*durzō
“A reconstructed name for a buzzing or humming insect; the exact origin is uncertain.”
Old English
Old English
dor
“A beetle, especially a large buzzing beetle.”
Middle English
English
dorre
“A dor beetle or cockchafer, noted for its loud flight.”
16th Century
English
dor
“A large black beetle, also used in compounds referring to buzzing insects.”
Modern English
English
dor
“A dor beetle, chiefly in zoological or literary usage.”
Explore more surprising origins