ladybird

/ ˈleɪdɪˌbɜːd /

noun

1. any of various small brightly coloured beetles of the family Coccinellidae, such as Adalia bipunctata ( two-spotted ladybird ), which has red elytra marked with black spots Usual US and Canadian nameladybug

Word History and Origins

Origin of ladybird¹

C18: named after Our Lady, the Virgin Mary

Example Sentences

It has set its sights on a bizarre-looking insect larva known as the mealybug ladybird, which sports a coat of white, waxy filaments that resembles fleece.

From Science Magazine

Previous studies have shown that animals including ladybird beetles and sand tiger sharks practice such lardering behavior.

From Science Magazine

She needs RaeMeka, because, as she says, LadyBird is too “by-the-book” — meaning too eager to conform to “white folk” rules and regulations.

From Los Angeles Times

LadyBird’s question infuriates both her mother and her sister with its obtuseness.

From Los Angeles Times

Paranoid, controlling, quarrelsome and rigid, LadyBird turns out to have a traumatic secret of her own.

From Los Angeles Times