pupa

noun

pu·​pa ˈpyü-pə How to pronounce pupa (audio)
plural pupae ˈpyü-(ˌ)pē How to pronounce pupa (audio)
 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
pupal adjective

Examples of pupa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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, 22 Sep. 2024 This pest overwinters as a pupae close to host plants. Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2024 Zoo Miami is also a major partner, doing rescue missions to Montgomery that have collected more than 4,000 atala caterpillars and pupae this year, and nearly 6,000 in both 2022 and 2023. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 13 July 2024 After the larvae stage, there's a brief stage as pupae before the adults emerge. Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for pupa 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pupa.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin pupa doll

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pupa was in 1770

Dictionary Entries Near pupa

Cite this Entry

“Pupa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pupa. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

pupa

noun
pu·​pa ˈpyü-pə How to pronounce pupa (audio)
plural pupae -pē How to pronounce pupa (audio)
-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
pupal adjective

Medical Definition

pupa

noun
pu·​pa ˈpyü-pə How to pronounce pupa (audio)
plural pupae -(ˌ)pē How to pronounce pupa (audio) -ˌpī How to pronounce pupa (audio) or pupas
: 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
pupal adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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