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

In bloom, this plant attracts hoverflies, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and ladybugs to your garden. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2026

During the Thursday event, children played at a sensory table with water and sand, hopped across tree stumps and admired ladybugs outside. —Lina Ruiz may 7, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026

Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs is one way to treat these pests. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026

In return, the ants defend the aphids from natural predators like ladybugs, allowing their numbers to surge out of control, leaving weak, disease-prone plants. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 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)