ladybug

noun

la·​dy·​bug ˈlā-dē-ˌbəg 

: 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

Examples of ladybug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists found in a 2020 study in BMC Genomics that, after testing how ladybugs functioned when consuming aphids versus alternative prey, ladybugs didn’t fare as well when exclusively eating non-aphids. —Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 7 Oct. 2024

What to know and how to get rid of these insects Both ladybugs and Asian beetles hibernate during winter and reappear in the spring, making fall a common time for infestations and mix-up of the two species. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024

Unlike distinctly red ladybugs, these beetles are more orange or black. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024

Try Companion Planting Basil and other strongly scented herbs naturally repel thrips, while flowering plants, like yarrow, dill, and parsley, attract ladybugs and other thrip predators. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Our Lady, the Virgin Mary

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ladybug

noun

la·​dy·​bug -ˌbəg 

: 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)