ladybug
UK[ˈleɪ.di.bʌɡ]US[ˈleɪ.di.bʌɡ]
n
a small, round, often red or orange beetle with black spots.
Morpheme Breakdown
lady
bug
lady
lady
bug
insect
Etymology
the word 'ladybug' is a compound formed from two english words. the first element, 'lady', originally referred to the virgin mary in medieval european culture. these beetles were dedicated to 'our lady' and were seen as her creatures, a connection reflected in other european languages (e.g., german 'marienkäfer'). the second element, 'bug', is a generic term for an insect. the compound thus literally means 'our lady's beetle', reflecting the insect's folk association with protection and good fortune. the modern meaning is a direct retention of this folk taxonomic name for the colorful, spotted beetle.
Analysis
Structure: lady (lady) + bug (insect)
lady (middle english, from old english hlǣfdīge, meaning 'loaf-kneader, mistress of a household'); bug (middle english, of unknown origin, meaning 'insect, beetle').
Examples
the children were delighted to find a ladybug crawling on a leaf.
ladybugs are beneficial to gardeners because they eat aphids.
a single ladybug landed on her finger, its red wings bright against her skin.