bedbug

noun

bed·​bug ˈbed-ˌbəg How to pronounce bedbug (audio)
: a wingless bloodsucking hemipterous bug (especially Cimex lectularius) sometimes infesting houses and especially beds and feeding on human blood

Illustration of bedbug

Illustration of bedbug

Examples of bedbug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What To Know Tenants named in the lawsuit describe the toll of bedbugs: sleepless nights, allergic reactions, and social isolation caused by infestations. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 This article discusses what bedbug bites look like, are options for bedbug bites, and how to get rid of a bedbug infestation in your home. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024 Singh says bedbugs could infest the clothes inside your luggage. Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 24 Jan. 2025 One strange example of this is traumatic insemination in bedbugs, where males bypass the female's reproductive tract and inject sperm directly into her abdomen. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bedbug 

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedbug was in 1708

Dictionary Entries Near bedbug

Cite this Entry

“Bedbug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedbug. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

bedbug

noun
bed·​bug ˈbed-ˌbəg How to pronounce bedbug (audio)
: a wingless bloodsucking bug sometimes infesting houses and especially beds

Medical Definition

bedbug

noun
bed·​bug ˈbed-ˌbəg How to pronounce bedbug (audio)
: a wingless bloodsucking bug (Cimex lectularius) sometimes infesting houses and especially beds and feeding on human blood

called also chinch

More from Merriam-Webster on bedbug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!