1

bog

noun \ ˈbäg , ˈbȯg \

Definition of bog

geography : wet spongy ground; especially : a poorly drained usually acid area rich in accumulated plant material, frequently surrounding a body of open water, and having a characteristic flora (as of sedges, heaths, and sphagnum)

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boggy

play \ˈbä-gē, ˈbȯ-\ adjective

Origin and Etymology of bog

Middle English (Scots), from Scottish Gaelic & Irish bog- (as in bogluachair bulrushes), from bog marshy, literally, soft, from Middle Irish bocc; probably akin to Old English būgan to bend — more at bow

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Ecology Terms

Malthusian, anthropogenic, biomass, carbon footprint, crepuscular, niche, sere, symbiosis, taiga, tundra

2

bog

verb

Definition of bog

bogged; bogging

transitive verb

: to cause to sink into or as if into a bog (see ¹bog) : impede, mire —usually used with down

a car that had gotten bogged down in the mud

easy to get bogged down in the details

intransitive verb

: to become impeded or stuck —usually used with down

Extra demand can cause the system to bog down.

See bog defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of bog

see ¹bog

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1599

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

3

bog

noun

Definition of bog

British

: lavatory 2

Origin and Etymology of bog

short for boghouse, from British argot bog to defecate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1789

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

BOG Defined for Kids

1

bog

noun \ ˈbäg , ˈbȯg \

Definition of bog for Students

: wet spongy ground that is usually acid and found next to a body of water (as a pond)

2

bog

verb

Definition of bog for Students

bogged; bogging

: to sink or stick fast in or as if in a bog

The car bogged down in the road.

I got bogged down in my work.

Learn More about bog

See words that rhyme with bog Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bog Spanish Central: Translation of bog Nglish: Translation of bog for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bog for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bog

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up bog? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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