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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Include flowering plants in your garden to attract beneficials such as lacewings and pirate bugs, which can help keep populations to manageable levels. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026 For example, lady beetles and lacewings naturally control pests, with lady beetles consuming up to 5000 aphids in their lifetime, according a University of California article. Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026 Cilantro flowers attract all kinds of beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps, lacewings, and ladybugs. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026 Introduce Natural Predators If your outdoor plants are suffering from scale, try introducing natural predators that feed on scale insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lacewing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lacewing. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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

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