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

Originally debuted in 2021, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Lucky Spring collection features a bevy of seasonal motifs from ladybugs to Lily of the Valley buds, delicate foliage and butterflies. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

Adult ladybugs are most known for eating aphids, but the various species are ferocious hunters of varied prey. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026

Milkweed also attracts ladybugs, which are natural predators of grubs. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026

This olive, chartreuse, and buttercream pedicure features daisies and ladybugs, giving it a grounding allure. — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 5 July 2026

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)