plural pupae
ˈpyü-(ˌ)pē 
also -ˌpī
or pupas
: an intermediate usually quiescent stage of a metamorphic insect (such as a bee, moth, or beetle) that occurs between the larva and the imago, is usually enclosed in a cocoon or protective covering, and undergoes internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the imago
Examples of pupa in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Many species of insects, including pollinators, overwinter as eggs, larvae or pupae in leaf litter or within plant stems.
—
Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025
Solitary bees, bumble bees, moths, and butterflies—whether as eggs, pupae, or adults—often use the leaf layer for warmth and protection during the cold winter months.
—Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2025
The female lays her eggs inside fly pupae by drilling through the outer shell and injecting venom to paralyze the host.
—New Atlas, 30 July 2025
According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, larvae and pupae can be found in out-of-the-way places like door hinges, backs of door knobs, and corners of wire baskets, underneath shelves, and around the edges of jar lids, cans, and non-food items also stored in your pantry or cupboard.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
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Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025
Solitary bees, bumble bees, moths, and butterflies—whether as eggs, pupae, or adults—often use the leaf layer for warmth and protection during the cold winter months.
—Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2025
The female lays her eggs inside fly pupae by drilling through the outer shell and injecting venom to paralyze the host.
—New Atlas, 30 July 2025
According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, larvae and pupae can be found in out-of-the-way places like door hinges, backs of door knobs, and corners of wire baskets, underneath shelves, and around the edges of jar lids, cans, and non-food items also stored in your pantry or cupboard.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pupa
Cite this Entry
“Pupa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pupa. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pupa
noun
pu·pa
ˈpyü-pə
plural pupae
-pē
-ˌpī
or pupas
: a stage of an insect (as a bee, moth, or beetle) having complete metamorphosis that occurs between the larva and the adult, is usually enclosed in a cocoon or case, and goes through changes inside by which structures of the larva are replaced by those of the adult
Medical Definition
pupa
noun
pu·pa
ˈpyü-pə
: an intermediate usually quiescent stage of an insect that occurs between the larva and the imago in forms (as a bee, moth, or beetle) which undergo complete metamorphosis and that is characterized by internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the imago
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