ladybug

noun

la·​dy·​bug ˈlā-dē-ˌbəg How to pronounce ladybug (audio)
: any of numerous small nearly hemispherical often brightly colored often spotted beetles (family Coccinellidae) of temperate and tropical regions that usually feed both as larvae and adults on other insects (such as aphids)

called also lady beetle, ladybird, ladybird beetle

Illustration of ladybug

Illustration of ladybug

Examples of ladybug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Tiffany Acosta As spring approaches and flowers begin to bloom, the emergence of insect pollinators such as bees and ladybugs is a familiar sight. The Arizona Republic, 14 Feb. 2024 The San Francisco 49ers all-pro receiver happened to look at his feet and noticed that a ladybug was attached to one of his cleats. USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 How ladybugs were lucky Ladybugs, also called lady birds and lady beetles, are biological control agents that eat pests and protect crops, says John Losey, a professor of entomology at Cornell University. Kate Morgan, Washington Post, 21 Nov. 2023 Olivia Munn Shares Sweet Photo with Son Malcolm: 'Milkshakes for Breakfast' The X-Men: Apocalypse star then posted a photo of all three of his costume choices, which included a bee, a ladybug and a dragon. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023 Like, the spiders can live here and the ants can live here and the ladybugs upstairs could live there. Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2023 In many places, ladybugs are believed to be omens of good luck. Susan Pransky, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Oct. 2023 The educational wooden puzzle board game comes with five double-sided puzzle cards for picture matching and large ladybug pieces sized just right for tiny hands. Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 24 Oct. 2023 For her special day, Hope dressed up as a little ladybug, while her mom wore a realistic butterfly clip in her hair. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 22 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ladybug.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Our Lady, the Virgin Mary

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ladybug was in 1699

Dictionary Entries Near ladybug

Cite this Entry

“Ladybug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladybug. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ladybug

noun
la·​dy·​bug -ˌbəg How to pronounce ladybug (audio)
: any of numerous small roundish-backed often brightly colored and spotted beetles that usually feed both when young and adult on other insects (as aphids)

More from Merriam-Webster on ladybug

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