mantis

noun

man·​tis ˈman-təs 

plural mantises also mantes ˈman-ˌtēz 

: any of an order or suborder (Mantodea and especially family Mantidae) of large usually green insects that feed on other insects and clasp their prey in forelimbs held up as if in prayer

Illustration of mantis

Examples of mantis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The mantis has a hammer-like club positioned on each side of its body. —Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Ideas The Insect Collection Kit Put together these models of a blue morpho butterfly, hercules beetle, and Chinese mantis as a fun and relaxing weeknight activity. —Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

For us, our evening plans were to make the short walk to see the fire-breathing mantis at Downtown Container Park, then head over to Atomic Liquors, which was the first free-standing bar in Las Vegas, for some people-watching, a local brew and the phenomenal pan pizza. —Ryan Slattery, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2024

There's a blue morpho butterfly, a Hercules beetle, and a Chinese mantis. —Patrice J. Williams, Parents, 12 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, literally, diviner, prophet; akin to Greek mainesthai to be mad — more at mania

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mantis

• mantis shrimp
• praying mantis

Kids Definition

mantis

noun

man·​tis ˈmant-əs 

plural mantises also mantes ˈman-ˌtēz 

: any of various large usually green insects related to the grasshoppers and cockroaches that feed upon other insects and hold their prey in the stout spiny first pair of legs