Cool MateInsect
UK /["/ˈɪnsekt/"]/US /["/ˈɪnsekt/"]/
Definition
any small creature with six legs and a body divided into three parts. Insects usually also have wings. Ants, bees and flies are all insects.
In simple words: A small animal with a hard body and six legs, like a bee or ant.
Examples
- An insect can be a bee, a butterfly, or a mosquito.
- Some insects, like ants, work together in colonies.
- The insect crawled slowly on the ground.
- Insect bites can be very itchy and uncomfortable.
- I saw a large insect in the garden today.
- Some people are afraid of insects, while others find them fascinating.
Usage notes
Use 'insect' when describing small arthropods. Avoid in formal contexts where scientific classification is required; use specific terms instead.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Insects are IN your next meal or outside; think of a group of six-legged friends.
Collocations
- flying
- winged
- aquatic
- swarm
- repel
- control
- kill
- buzz
- fly
- crawl
- attack
- infestation
- bite
Synonyms
- bug
- arthropod
- creature
- pest
Antonyms
- mammal
- bird
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'insect' vs 'insects' - forgetting to make it plural when referring to multiple.
- Mixing up with 'bug' - interpreting 'bug' too broadly.
- Using 'insect' when referring to larger creatures, like spiders.