any of various neuropterous insects, esp any of the families Chrysopidae (green lacewings) and Hemerobiidae (brown lacewings), having lacy wings and preying on aphids and similar pests
lacewing in American English
(ˈleɪsˌwɪŋ)
noun
any of various families of neuropteran insects with four delicate, gauzy wings: the larvae feed on aphids and other insect pests
Examples of 'lacewing' in a sentence
lacewing
There are fewer lacewings and ladybirds.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Snake flies are relatives of lacewings.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Insects such as ladybirds and lacewings overwinter there too, so leave the tidying till spring.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Buy a ready-made lacewing box to tempt them in during winter.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
A little fly that most people are familiar with is the green lacewing.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The antlions are a group of flying lacewings that are widespread around the world but very rare in Britain.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Other insects that are noticeable at the moment are the green lacewings, of which there are several species.