Ladybug

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈleɪ.di.bʌɡ/

Alternative forms

• lady-bug

Origin

From lady + bug, the “lady” here referring to Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Compare German Marienkäfer.

Full definition of ladybug

Noun

1. (North America) any beetle of the Coccinellidae family of beetles, typically having a round shape and a colorful shell.

Synonyms

• (beetle) coccinellid; lady-bird
  ladybird British, alternative in US; lady beetle
  lady-beetle
  ladybeetle