noun
ladybird
LAY-dee-buhd
Ladybird (noun) means a small, round beetle, usually red or orange with black spots, that eats garden pests like aphids. Example: “A ladybird landed on her sleeve and she made a wish.”
noun
1
A small, round beetle, usually red or orange with black spots, that eats garden pests like aphids.
"A ladybird landed on her sleeve and she made a wish."
"Gardeners welcome ladybirds because they eat aphids."
How to use ladybird
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe small red-and-black spotted beetle, called "ladybug" in American English.
UK vs US
British English says "ladybird"; American English says "ladybug" — same insect.
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ladybird.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- ladybirds
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ landed on her sleeve and she made a wish.
Etymology
From "lady" plus "bird" — the "lady" refers to the Virgin Mary, echoing old folk names in other European languages that also link the beetle to Mary.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “ladybird” mean?
The word “ladybird” means a small, round beetle, usually red or orange with black spots, that eats garden pests like aphids. In plain terms, the small red-and-black spotted beetle, called "ladybug" in American English.
How do you pronounce “ladybird”?
“Ladybird” is pronounced LAY-dee-buhd (/ˈleɪ.di.bɝd/ in IPA).
How do you use “ladybird” in a sentence?
Here is “ladybird” used in a sentence: “A ladybird landed on her sleeve and she made a wish.”
What part of speech is “ladybird”?
“Ladybird” is a noun.
