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

Always follow product instructions exactly, and avoid spraying when beneficial insects such as bees or ladybugs are present in the area. —Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026

Ceramic ladybugs may appear on the end of whimsical cutlery. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026

Here’s how to get rid of ladybugs and Asian lady beetles and keep them from taking up residence in your house this fall. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025

Unlike distinctly red ladybugs, these beetles are more orange or black. —Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 29 Oct. 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)