What does insect mean?
An insect is a small arthropod belonging to the class Insecta, the largest group of animals. Typical features include a body divided into three main sections, six jointed legs, two antennae, and, in many species, one or two pairs of wings. The word covers a vast range of familiar animals, including insects such as ants, bees, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, and mosquitoes. In everyday discussion, insects are often grouped according to their effects on people: pollinators such as bees are beneficial, while mosquitoes and crop pests can be troublesome. Scientific classification places insects within the broader arthropods and invertebrates. The word can also be used figuratively for a person regarded as insignificant or irritating, although this usage is informal and potentially disparaging. The uncommon verb “insect” means to examine or investigate something with great care and attention to detail.
A member of the class Insecta: an arthropod with a segmented body, six legs, and usually two pairs of wings.
"A small insect landed on the bright flowers."
The term has a precise biological meaning but is also used informally for similar small creatures.
To examine or investigate something minutely and carefully.
"The reviewer carefully insect every detail of the report."
This verb is archaic and uncommon in modern English.
The standard plural adds -s; the form “insect” also occurs as the unchanged plural in some scientific and taxonomic contexts.
"Many insects are active at night."
An insect’s three-part body plan and six legs made it one of the first animals to be recognized as a distinct group by naturalists.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does insect come from?
“Insect” comes from the Latin noun insecta, a plural form of insectum, meaning “a divided or segmented animal.” The Latin word was derived from insecare, “to cut into,” referring to the segmented bodies of insects. English borrowed the term in the 16th century, initially as a general category for small segmented animals and later with a more precise biological meaning.
Related word forms
How insect is actually used
In general use, “insect” refers to members of the class Insecta. The figurative sense is informal and can sound dismissive. The verb “insect” is archaic and means to examine or investigate something minutely.
Easily confused with insect
An insect is an arthropod, but not every arthropod is an insect; insects are distinguished by features such as three main body segments and six legs.
An invertebrate is any animal without a backbone, whereas an insect is a much more specific type of invertebrate.