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Definition of pupate

pupate

/ˈpjuː.peɪt/
pu · pate
Adjective:pupal
•
Past Simple:pupated
•
Past Participle:pupated
•
Present Participle:pupating
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pupate Lexical Profile

pupate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To transform from a larva into a pupa prior to emerging as an adult (of an insect undergoing complete metamorphosis).

Example

"After feeding on milkweed leaves for two weeks, the monarch caterpillar attaches itself to a twig to pupate."

• Nearby Words

pup
pupa
pupal
pupate
pupfish
pupil
puppet

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century as a back-formation from 'pupation' or directly from 'pupa' plus the verbal suffix '-ate'. The term 'pupa' was introduced into scientific Latin by Carl Linnaeus from the Latin word for 'girl' or 'doll', referring to the swaddled, doll-like appearance of an insect chrysalis.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pupate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pupate
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