lacewing

noun

lace·​wing ˈlās-ˌwiŋ How to pronounce lacewing (audio)
: any of various neuropterous insects (such as genera Chrysopa and Hemerobius) having delicate lacelike wing venation, long antennae, and often brilliant eyes

called also lacewing fly

Illustration of lacewing

Illustration of lacewing

Examples of lacewing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Examining the wing shapes of extinct species of dragonflies or lacewings, for example, would improve our understanding of what conditions led to the modern versions that flit around today. Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 25 Oct. 2024 Release predatory insects like lacewings or ladybugs on outdoor or greenhouse plants. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2024 However, several beneficial bugs prey on milkweed aphids, including ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2024 Growing the right companion plants near milkweed can entice ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects to visit and feast on aphids. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lacewing 

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lacewing was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near lacewing

Cite this Entry

“Lacewing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lacewing. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lacewing

noun
lace·​wing ˈlā-ˌswiŋ How to pronounce lacewing (audio)
: any of various insects that have delicate lacelike wings, long antennae, and often bright eyes

More from Merriam-Webster on lacewing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!