ladybug

noun

la·​dy·​bug ˈlā-dē-ˌbəg How to pronounce ladybug (audio)
: 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

Illustration of ladybug

Examples of ladybug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The payoff is a garden that moves and makes noise on its own, carried by the butterflies, ladybugs and birds the plants pull in. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2026 Drawing from the Renaissance game’s design and motif, there are playful talismans — geese, dragonflies, clovers, horseshoes, dice, keys and ladybugs — across trays, teapots, mugs, boxes, miniatures and espresso sets. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 Instead of taking the time to replace the whole screen, this screen repair tape only requires a few minutes to stop stink bugs, ladybugs, cluster flies, roaches, and boxelder bugs from moving in this fall. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026 Some channeled actual ladybugs and butterflies with giant colorful hoop skirts, and jackets that looked like cocoons, eliciting smiles from the crowd. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ladybug

Word History

Etymology

Our Lady, the Virgin Mary

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ladybug was in 1699

Rhymes for ladybug

See All Rhymes for ladybug

Browse Nearby Words

lady bracken
ladybug
lady chair
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ladybug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladybug. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ladybug

noun
la·​dy·​bug -ˌbəg How to pronounce ladybug (audio)
: 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on ladybug

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ladybug

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