bugle

noun (1)

bu·gle | \ ˈbyü-gəl

Definition of bugle

(Entry 1 of 4)

: 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.

bugle

noun (2)

Definition of bugle (Entry 2 of 4)

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

bugle

verb

bugled; bugling\ ˈbyü-g(ə-)liŋ

Definition of bugle (Entry 3 of 4)

intransitive verb

1 : to sound a bugle

2 : to utter the characteristic rutting call of the bull elk

bugle

noun (3)

Definition of bugle (Entry 4 of 4)

: a small cylindrical bead of glass or plastic used for trimming especially on women's clothing

First Known Use of bugle

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1573, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for bugle

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

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

Noun (3)

perhaps from bugle entry 2