plural pupae
ˈpyü-(ˌ)pē 
also -ˌpī
or pupas
: an intermediate usually quiescent stage of a metamorphic insect (such as a bee, moth, or beetle) that occurs between the larva and the imago, is usually enclosed in a cocoon or protective covering, and undergoes internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the imago
Examples of pupa in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Solitary bees, bumble bees, moths, and butterflies—whether as eggs, pupae, or adults—often use the leaf layer for warmth and protection during the cold winter months.
—
Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2024
This pest overwinters as a pupae close to host plants.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2024
Zoo Miami is also a major partner, doing rescue missions to Montgomery that have collected more than 4,000 atala caterpillars and pupae this year, and nearly 6,000 in both 2022 and 2023.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 13 July 2024
After the larvae stage, there's a brief stage as pupae before the adults emerge.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for pupa 
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.
Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2024
This pest overwinters as a pupae close to host plants.
—Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2024
Zoo Miami is also a major partner, doing rescue missions to Montgomery that have collected more than 4,000 atala caterpillars and pupae this year, and nearly 6,000 in both 2022 and 2023.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 13 July 2024
After the larvae stage, there's a brief stage as pupae before the adults emerge.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for pupa
Dictionary Entries Near pupa
Cite this Entry
“Pupa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pupa. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pupa
noun
pu·pa
ˈpyü-pə
plural pupae
-pē
-ˌpī
or pupas
: a stage of an insect (as a bee, moth, or beetle) having complete metamorphosis that occurs between the larva and the adult, is usually enclosed in a cocoon or case, and goes through changes inside by which structures of the larva are replaced by those of the adult
Medical Definition
pupa
noun
pu·pa
ˈpyü-pə
: an intermediate usually quiescent stage of an insect that occurs between the larva and the imago in forms (as a bee, moth, or beetle) which undergo complete metamorphosis and that is characterized by internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the imago
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share