ladybug
Americannoun
-
ladybugs
plural
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of ladybug
Explanation
A ladybug is a tiny, flying beetle that's usually red with black dots. Some people think it's good luck when a ladybug lands on them. Scientifically, the ladybug is known as a coccinellid, one of a family of insects that are generally brightly colored and spotted. They are sometimes also called "lady birds" or "lady cows." Gardeners love them because they tend to eat pesky bugs like aphids that feed on plants and flowers. The lady part of their name refers to the Bible's Virgin Mary, named for the red cape she wears in many well-known paintings.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Pest-control companies often include a ladybug icon on their branding to indicate the product is a natural means of keeping houses free from unwelcome guests.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 16, 2025
The creatures include a walrus, a ladybug, a zebra, a wildebeest, a bat, a bush baby, a beaver and a crocodile.
From New York Times ● May 1, 2024
“Before the game, a ladybug landed on my shoe. And you all know what that means,” Aiyuk said.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 28, 2024
In another, a ladybug drinks water from a dewdrop on a long blade of grass.
From National Geographic ● Jan. 22, 2024
I opened it and spread the six turtle figurines on the bed, including the little ladybug turtle that had brought me good luck.
From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles
The phenomenon is ironic, said Ric Bessin, a professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky, since ladybugs have traditionally been a symbol of cleanliness and order.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 16, 2025
Important factors are the places where the animals are found and their level of popularity -- squirrels and ladybugs come out on top here.
From Science Daily ● May 8, 2024
One group huddles around a netted container, peering through magnifying glasses at the ladybugs inside.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 10, 2023
In the United Kingdom, some species of bees, ladybugs and spider populations are declining at faster rates in protected natural areas.
From Salon ● Jan. 26, 2023
There's Jamie and me as children, hiding in trees and searching for ladybugs.
From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
