insect

/ˈɪnsɛkt/
noun
  1. A small animal with six legs, a body divided into three parts (head, thorax, abdomen), and usually two pairs of wings. Examples include ants, bees, flies, and beetles.
    • We saw a strange insect with bright green wings in the park.
    • The scientist studied how insects communicate with each other.
    • A ladybug is a helpful insect that eats garden pests.
  2. Any small, crawling creature that is often considered a pest, even if not technically an insect (e.g., spiders, centipedes).
    • There was an insect crawling across the kitchen floor.
    • He is afraid of insects, especially spiders.
    • The campsite was full of insects buzzing around the food.