pupate

verb

pu·​pate ˈpyü-ˌpāt 

pupated; pupating

intransitive verb

: to become a pupa : pass through a pupal stage

pupation

pyü-ˈpā-shən 

noun

Examples of pupate in a Sentence

Unlike most butterflies, this species pupates underground.

Recent Examples on the Web

Once the tarantula has been consumed, the larva spins a cocoon and pupates into a mature wasp in two to three weeks. — Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

In fact, if the host dies before the larvae drop off to pupate in the ground, the larvae will typically die along with it. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Next, the larvae burrow down into the carpet, pupating in a protective cocoon that encompasses carpet fibers and other floor debris from the environment. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 May 2026

The adult wasps die during the year and larvae generally pupate and emerge the following year. — Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pupate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids Definition

pupate

verb

pu·​pate ˈpyü-ˌpāt 

pupated; pupating

: to become a pupa : pass through the stage of the pupa

pupation

pyü-ˈpā-shən 

noun