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

Mixing any of these essential oils with water and spraying around your home can help keep ladybugs away. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025

Asian Lady Beetles, often mistaken for ladybugs, seek shelter in homes during colder months. —Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Sep. 2025

Instead of a pointy-toe kitten heel, Hadid kept summer going with unexpected Chanel ladybug sandals in lime green. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 14 Aug. 2025

Encourage your child to look at flower petals, spots on a ladybug, and the rainbow in a droplet of water. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Our Lady, the Virgin Mary

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ladybug

• antidrug
• mealybug
• multidrug
• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug
• jug
• lug
• mug
• plug

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)