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

Introduce Natural Predators If your outdoor plants are suffering from scale, try introducing natural predators that feed on scale insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 Feb. 2026

Choose from red with hearts and cherries, pink with ladybugs, pink with pizza slices, or teal with strawberries. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026

Similar to releasing ladybugs to control aphids or spider mites. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

The critters who drop in or call the space home range from monarch butterflies, ladybugs and lizards to hummingbirds and bushtits, skunks, opossums and even the occasional mountain lion. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 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)