bugle

play

noun bu·gle \ ˈbyü-gəl \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of bugle

:any of a genus (Ajuga) of plants of the mint family; especially :a European annual (A. reptans) that has spikes of blue flowers and is naturalized in the U.S.

Origin and Etymology of bugle

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin bugula

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

bugle

noun

Definition of bugle

:a valveless brass instrument that resembles a trumpet and is used especially for military calls

What is the origin of bugle?

In early English, the word bugle meant “wild ox.” The horns of oxen were made into signaling devices for soldiers and hunters, first called bugle horns. Later this was shortened to bugle.

Illustration of bugle

Origin and Etymology of bugle

Middle English, buffalo, instrument made of buffalo horn, bugle, from Anglo-French, from Latin buculus, diminutive of bos head of cattle — more at cow

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year