noun

antlion

ANT-ly-uhn

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Antlion (noun) means an antlion is any of a group of mostly nocturnal insects in the family Myrmeleontidae whose larvae dig cone-shaped pits in sand to trap ants and other insects. Example: “We watched an antlion larva wait at the bottom of its pit for an ant to fall in.”

noun

An antlion is any of a group of mostly nocturnal insects in the family Myrmeleontidae whose larvae dig cone-shaped pits in sand to trap ants and other insects.

"We watched an antlion larva wait at the bottom of its pit for an ant to fall in."

"The adult antlion looked a little like a damselfly as it flew past."

"Antlion pits are easy to spot dotted across dry, sandy ground."

How to use antlion

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn antlion is an insect whose larva digs a sandy pit trap to catch ants.

When to use it

It is an everyday name used in general and entomological contexts alike.

Memory tip

It is the larva, not the winged adult, that does the famous pit-trapping ants describes.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

antlion larva antlion pit antlion trap

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “antlion” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

We watched an _____ larva wait at the bottom of its pit for an ant to fall in.

Etymology

The name joins ant and lion, referring to the larva's fierce, predatory habit of ambushing ants.

Origin: English

Rhymes for antlion

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See all rhymes for antlion →

Frequently asked questions

What does an antlion look like as an adult?

The adult superficially resembles a damselfly, though the two insects are not related.

How does an antlion catch its prey?

The larva buries itself beneath a cone-shaped pit in sand and traps ants and other insects that fall in.

What family of insects do antlions belong to?

They belong to the family Myrmeleontidae.

What is the meaning of antlion?

"antlion" (noun) means an antlion is any of a group of mostly nocturnal insects in the family Myrmeleontidae whose larvae dig cone-shaped pits in sand to trap ants and other insects.