Illustration of ladybug
ladybug
noun
la·dy·bug
ˈlā-dē-ˌbəg 
: 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
Examples of ladybug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs is one way to treat these pests.
—
Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026
As companion plants for celery, cosmos attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps, providing natural pest control and supporting pollination.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
In return, the ants defend the aphids from natural predators like ladybugs, allowing their numbers to surge out of control, leaving weak, disease-prone plants.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The ladybugs, like the worm poop fertilizer, are a newer facet of Zeni’s quest to spread the good word about the mystique of an heirloom tomato.
—Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ladybug
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.
Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 Apr. 2026
As companion plants for celery, cosmos attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps, providing natural pest control and supporting pollination.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
In return, the ants defend the aphids from natural predators like ladybugs, allowing their numbers to surge out of control, leaving weak, disease-prone plants.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The ladybugs, like the worm poop fertilizer, are a newer facet of Zeni’s quest to spread the good word about the mystique of an heirloom tomato.
—Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ladybug
Cite this Entry
“Ladybug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladybug. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ladybug
noun
la·dy·bug
-ˌbəg
: 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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
