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.
Its use in the hotel room is a form of pest control, typically targeting bedbugs. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 Most thrift stores won't accept them due to concerns about bedbugs, allergens, and general hygiene. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025 There were infestations of mice, bedbugs, and cockroaches. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 Orkin has released its latest bedbug report, spotlighting which cities have the biggest infestations. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Bedbug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedbug. Accessed 17 Sep. 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

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