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:
Zach Isenmann, general manager of STL Pest Control in St. Louis, said this fall’s ladybug season has been worse than usual.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 16, 2025
In another, a ladybug drinks water from a dewdrop on a long blade of grass.
From National Geographic ● Jan. 22, 2024
As Stickman peered out from behind the fruit bowl, he saw a friendly-looking ladybug named Lila, who had accidentally knocked over the saltshaker.
From New York Times ● Jun. 8, 2023
“If we see a kid get interested in a ladybug crawling on the ground, we turn that into a month-long lesson on what it eats, its transformation and how it protects the garden.”
From Washington Times ● Jan. 5, 2023
“Ouch. And then your internship starts—” Dill carefully plucked a ladybug from his arm and held it in his palm so that it could fly away.
From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner
Its ascendance has contributed to the population decline of various native ladybug species—and more Americans associating ladybugs with infestation and invasion.
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
She arrived in a white short-sleeved, high-necked sweater, dotted with outsize ladybugs, and her affect was as wholesome, earnest and embraceably eccentric as her style.
From New York Times ● May 10, 2023
Shilling’s upcoming solo exhibition of paintings and ceramics, “A Bug’s Life” at Jeffrey Deitch Los Angeles in April, will feature “spring themes” such as frogs, flora and fauna, ladybugs, caterpillars and butterflies.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2023
There are cartons of ladybugs for sale on the counter and I decide to buy one.
From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan
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