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

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

Yarrow is highly attractive to some of the most common beneficial bugs, like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2025

For example, plant pollinator-friendly flowers to attract beneficials such as ladybugs, which love to dine on aphids. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 12 July 2025

The Camp Rock star also included clips of herself holding a coconut with a straw, admiring a tiny ladybug on her finger and taking a jetski ride with Lutes in her wake. —Erin Clack, People.com, 17 June 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)