mantis

noun

man·​tis ˈman-təs 

plural mantises also mantes ˈman-ˌtēz 

: any of an order or suborder (Mantodea and especially family Mantidae) of large usually green insects that feed on other insects and clasp their prey in forelimbs held up as if in prayer

Illustration of mantis

Examples of mantis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, moths, mantises, and cicadas gather auditory information from similar appendages on their thoraxes or abdomens. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025

The mantis arches above the grass, head swiveled impossibly. —Matthew Shen Goodman, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

The Mayan lichen mantis lives on tree bark and perfers medium-sized, smooth-bark trees. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025

Instead, Sesko — all 6ft 5in of him — arrived, mantis-like, by e-scooter. —Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, literally, diviner, prophet; akin to Greek mainesthai to be mad — more at mania

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mantis

• mantis shrimp
• praying mantis

Rhymes for mantis

• cantus
• atlantis

Kids Definition

mantis

noun

man·​tis ˈmant-əs 

plural mantises also mantes ˈman-ˌtēz 

: any of various large usually green insects related to the grasshoppers and cockroaches that feed upon other insects and hold their prey in the stout spiny first pair of legs