pupa

noun

pu·​pa ˈpyü-pə 

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

pupal

ˈpyü-pəl 

adjective

Examples of pupa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These spring adults arise from pupae that overwintered in plant debris or in soil. — Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2026

Inside, a luna moth transforms a final time into a dark brown wriggling pupa. — Kai Coggin, Time, 16 May 2026

The same insect can munch leaves in summer as a caterpillar, sleep through winter as a pupa, and sip flower nectar in spring as a butterfly. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2026

The scientists found that even though the young ant was perfectly healthy, the worker ant started unpacking the pupa's cocoon, proving the smell was the active call to action. — Arundathi Nair, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin pupa doll

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pupa

• pre-pupa

Rhymes for pupa

• stupa

Kids 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

pupal

ˈpyü-pəl 

adjective

Medical Definition

pupa

noun

pu·​pa ˈpyü-pə 

plural pupae -(ˌ)pē  -ˌpī  or pupas

: 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

pupal

ˈpyü-pəl 

adjective