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bugaboo

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noun bug·a·boo \ ˈbə-gə-ˌbü \

Definition of bugaboo

plural bugaboos
1 :an imaginary object of fear
2 :bugbear 2; also :something that causes fear or distress out of proportion to its importance

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Examples of bugaboo in a Sentence

  1. politicians complaining about that old bugaboo, high oil prices

  2. doing one's tax returns are a real bugaboo for some people

Recent Examples of bugaboo from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bugaboo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of bugaboo

earlier buggybow, bugger-bo, of unknown origin

bugaboo Synonyms

Synonyms
bête noire, black beast, bogey, bugbear, dread, hobgoblin, ogre
Related Words
apparition, ghost, phantasm (also fantasm), phantom, poltergeist, shade, specter (or spectre), spirit, spook, wraith; banshee, bogeyman (also bogyman), demon (or daemon), devil, fiend, ghoul, imp, incubus; fright, horrible, horror, monster, monstrosity, terror; bane, curse, enemy, plague, scourge, torment; abomination, anathema

BUGABOO Defined for English Language Learners

bugaboo

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noun

Definition of bugaboo for English Language Learners

  • : something that makes people very worried or upset

Learn More about bugaboo

  1. See words that rhyme with bugaboo Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bugaboo Spanish Central: Translation of bugaboo Nglish: Translation of bugaboo for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bugaboo for Arabic speakers

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Examples: bugaboo in a Sentence