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Ladybird: meaning, definitions and examples

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ladybird

 

[ ˈleɪdiˌbɜrd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

insect, animal

A ladybird, also known as a ladybug, is a small beetle belonging to the family Coccinellidae. These insects are often brightly colored with a red or orange body and black spots, making them easily recognizable. Ladybirds are commonly found in gardens, where they play a beneficial role in controlling pest populations.

Synonyms

Coccinella, beetle, ladybug

Examples of usage

  • The ladybird landed on the flower.
  • We often see ladybirds in the spring.
  • Ladybirds can help protect crops.
  • Children love to catch ladybirds in the garden.

Translations

Translations of the word "ladybird" in other languages:

🇵🇹 joaninha

🇮🇳 गुलाबी भौंरा

🇩🇪 Marienkäfer

🇮🇩 kepik

🇺🇦 сонечко

🇵🇱 biedronka

🇯🇵 テントウムシ

🇫🇷 coccinelle

🇪🇸 mariquita

🇹🇷 hanım böceği

🇰🇷 무당벌레

🇸🇦 خنفساء

🇨🇿 slunéčko sedmitečné

🇸🇰 slniečko

🇨🇳 瓢虫

🇸🇮 kožuhar

🇮🇸 dögg

🇰🇿 құрт

🇬🇪 კატა

🇦🇿 qırmızı böcək

🇲🇽 catarina

Etymology

The term 'ladybird' dates back to the 14th century and is derived from the Old English word 'lædie,' which is a variant of 'lady'. The 'bird' part of the word refers to the general classification of small winged creatures. The ladybird is named in honor of the Virgin Mary, often referred to as 'Our Lady' in religious contexts. In Europe, these insects were historically associated with the Virgin Mary, with the red color symbolizing her cloak and the spots representing her joys and sorrows. As people began to communicate in different regions, the name evolved in various languages, reflecting local cultures and beliefs surrounding these beneficial insects. Over time, the ladybird has become a symbol of good luck, particularly if one lands on a person.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,225, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.