Meaning of bug in English

1. Pronunciation

   /bəɡ/

   US accent

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   UK accent

   How to pronounce bug in British English, in context ▾
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1. Verb

   bug

   Definitions

   1. annoy persistently

   Examples

   • « The children teased the boy because of his stammer »
2. 2. tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information

   Examples

   • « The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy »
   • « Is this hotel room bugged? »

3. Noun

   bug

   Etymology

   early 17th century: of unknown origin. Current verb senses date from the early 20th century

   Definitions

   1. general term for any insect or similar creeping or crawling invertebrate
4. 2. a fault or defect in a system or machine
5. 3. a small hidden microphone

   Examples

   • « for listening secretly »
6. 4. insects with sucking mouthparts and forewings thickened and leathery at the base

   Examples

   • « usually show incomplete metamorphosis »
7. 5. a minute life form (especially a disease-causing bacterium)

   Examples

   • « the term is not in technical use »