1. a large rodent with thick fur, webbed feet, and a flat tail that builds dams in rivers
2. the fur of a beaver, used to make clothing and hats

1. to work hard and steadily
Usage: informal

Examples

• The beaver built a dam across the stream.
• Beavers use their strong teeth to cut down trees.
• The hat was made from expensive beaver fur.
• Trappers once hunted beavers for their valuable pelts.
• She beavered away at her homework all evening.
• The students beavered through the difficult math problems.
• A beaver’s tail helps it swim and steer in the water.