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

By attracting ladybugs and lacewings, cilantro brings in the main predators for potato-eating insects like aphids, mites, whiteflies, and thrips. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2026

In this play, a bold purple ladybug fights discrimination to find her place in the world. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026

Cilantro flowers attract all kinds of beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps, lacewings, and ladybugs. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026

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

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)