plural insects
1
: a small animal that has six legs and a body formed of three parts and that may have wings
flies, bees, and other insects [=(chiefly US, informal) bugs]
a swarm of flying insects
—often used before another nounan insect bite
Use plenty of insect spray/repellent to keep the mosquitoes from biting you.
2
: an animal (such as a spider) that is similar to an insect
Cite this Entry
“Insect.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/insect. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
