Bedbug
//ˈbɛdˌbʌɡ// noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A small nocturnal insect pest of humans, of species Cimex lectularius (common bedbug) and Cimex hemipterus (tropical bedbug) that feeds on the blood of humans during sleep.
"Fiona rapidly discovered that the hotel was infested with bedbugs."
- 2 bug of temperate regions that infests especially beds and feeds on human blood wordnet
- 3 Any similar insect of family Cimicidae, that feeds on the blood of humans and certain other warm-blooded animals.
Example
More examples"Bedbug infestations have been reported in towns and cities in every American state in the last few years, according to experts at the federal government’s second annual bedbug summit, held in early February in Washington, D.C. The insectile invasion of American homes and public places is expected to worsen. Experts say that increased resistance to pesticides means the tiny insects, which feed on warm-blooded animals, are here to stay, especially in densely-populated cities."
Etymology
From bed + bug.
Related phrases
More for "bedbug"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.