mantis
noun
any of several predaceous insects of the order Mantidae, having a long prothorax and typically holding the forelegs in an upraised position as if in prayer.
mantises
-
pluralof mantis.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
To better understand and limit the expansion of these invasive mantises, researchers have turned to the public.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026
The wistful, lovely song is accompanied by weird visuals of the aliens, who look like praying mantises, admiring the human specimen through the room’s windows, applauding when she goes to the bathroom and taking pictures.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2026
He was also passionate about his niche insect hobby, raising rare praying mantises.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2024
The escape strategy is most useful for younger mantises; as they mature, they grow wings for powered flights.
From Science Magazine ● Nov. 28, 2023
Machine guns looked to me like praying mantises.
From "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli
