praying mantis

noun

: mantis
especially : a European mantis (Mantis religiosa) that has been introduced into the U.S.

called also praying mantid

Examples of praying 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.
Wembanyama, for his part, has been likened to a praying mantis. — Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 25 Dec. 2025 And there, on the screen, was another praying mantis. — Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026 Scientists had moved on to rats, cats, goldfish, and even praying mantises. — Claire L. Evans, Quanta Magazine, 5 June 2026 Those include lady bugs, praying mantis, spiders and other insects that eat pests. — Blaise Mesa, jsonline.com, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for praying mantis

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of praying mantis was circa 1890

Rhymes for praying mantis

See All Rhymes for praying mantis

Browse Nearby Words

Praying Indian
praying mantis
praying shawl
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Praying mantis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/praying%20mantis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

praying mantis

noun
: mantis
especially : a European mantis that is now found in the U.S.

More from Merriam-Webster on praying mantis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about praying mantis

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