bug out

verb

bugged out; bugging out; bugs out

intransitive verb

1
: to retreat during a military action
especially : to flee in panic
2
: to depart especially in a hurry
bugout noun

Examples of bug out in a Sentence

the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word
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.
Her baby's father answered the door with his eyes bugging out, and Frierson barged in to find two other guys, needles, spoons and powder on the table. Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025 The clear lids have a tight seal that locks the temperature in and keeps the fire ants and love bugs out. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bug out

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bug out was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bug out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bug%20out. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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