debug

verb

de·​bug (ˌ)dē-ˈbəg 

debugged; debugging; debugs

transitive verb

1

: to remove insects from

2

: to eliminate errors in or malfunctions of

debug a computer program

3

: to remove a concealed microphone or wiretapping device from

debugger noun

Synonyms of debug

• amend
• correct
• rewrite
• remedy
• reform

Examples of debug in a Sentence

She's been hired to write and debug computer programs.

the computer program ran much faster after it was debugged

Recent Examples on the Web

The courses cover writing, explaining, and debugging advanced formulas, as well as VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP for pulling exact data from massive spreadsheets without endless scrolling. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026

The joystick initiates common tasks such as debugging an error or refactoring code. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 27 July 2026

The device also features a small joystick, likely the 13th key, that can trigger reusable Codex Skills and common workflows such as debugging an error, reviewing a pull request, or refactoring code. — New Atlas, 25 July 2026

When the telephony and cognitive integration layers are designed to work together through a clean connective layer, the handoffs between domains stop being yours to debug. — Ran Inbar, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for debug

• humbug
• prodrug
• unplug
• antidrug
• mealybug
• multidrug
• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug
• jug

Kids Definition

debug

verb

de·​bug (ˈ)dē-ˈbəg 

: to remove mistakes from

debug a computer program