mantis

noun

man·​tis ˈman-təs How to pronounce mantis (audio)
plural mantises also mantes ˈman-ˌtēz How to pronounce mantis (audio)
: any of an order or suborder (Mantodea and especially family Mantidae) of large usually green insects that feed on other insects and clasp their prey in forelimbs held up as if in prayer

Illustration of mantis

Illustration of mantis

Examples of mantis 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 Mayan lichen mantis lives on tree bark and perfers medium-sized, smooth-bark trees. — Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025 The mantis arches above the grass, head swiveled impossibly. — Matthew Shen Goodman, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 Instead, Sesko — all 6ft 5in of him — arrived, mantis-like, by e-scooter. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025 Nini brings her famous praying-mantis routine to the Drag Race stage for the talent show, to some girls’ chagrin. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mantis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, literally, diviner, prophet; akin to Greek mainesthai to be mad — more at mania

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mantis was in 1646

Phrases Containing mantis

Rhymes for mantis

See All Rhymes for mantis

Browse Nearby Words

manting
mantis
Mantisia
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Cite this Entry

“Mantis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mantis

noun
man·​tis ˈmant-əs How to pronounce mantis (audio)
plural mantises also mantes ˈman-ˌtēz How to pronounce mantis (audio)
: any of various large usually green insects related to the grasshoppers and cockroaches that feed upon other insects and hold their prey in the stout spiny first pair of legs

More from Merriam-Webster on mantis

Nglish: Translation of mantis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mantis

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