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

Japanese Beetles These are not your cute red ladybugs. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025

Plus, pairing zinnias with squash and zucchini can attract beneficial insects, like parasitic wasps, ladybugs, and lacewings, to gardens. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025

Children can make origami ladybugs and macaroni necklaces, handle worms and compost, plant sunflowers, blow on bubble baskets, decorate an Earth-friendly magnet and paint Earth Day rocks. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025

From eggs to sheep to ladybugs, chocolate in all forms! —Chloe Malle, Vogue, 21 Mar. 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)