noun
pupa
PYOO-puh
Pupa (noun) means the stage of an insect's development between the larva and the adult. Example: “The caterpillar spun a cocoon and became a pupa.”
noun
1
entomology The stage of an insect's development between the larva and the adult.
"The caterpillar spun a cocoon and became a pupa."
"Inside the pupa, the insect's body is transformed before it emerges as an adult."
"Some pupae are protected by a hard outer case."
How to use pupa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe resting stage where an insect changes from larva into adult.
When to use it
It's a standard biological term used in both ordinary and scientific writing.
Memory tip
Remember the order egg, larva, pupa, adult, to place pupa correctly in an insect's life cycle.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
form a pupa
emerge from the pupa
the pupa stage
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Fill the gap
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The caterpillar spun a cocoon and became a _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from New Latin, itself taken from a special sense of the Latin word pupa, meaning a little girl or a doll.
Synonyms
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pupe
Rhymes for pupa
See all rhymes for pupa →Frequently asked questions
What is a pupa?
It's the stage of an insect's life cycle between the larva and the adult.
What is the plural of pupa?
The usual plurals are pupae or pupas.
Where does the word pupa come from?
It comes from New Latin, based on the Latin word for a little girl or doll.
What is the meaning of pupa?
"pupa" (noun) means the stage of an insect's development between the larva and the adult.
