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

• amend
• correct
• emend
• rectify
• red-pencil
• reform
• remedy

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

For many real-world applications—debugging code, solving math problems, or analyzing structured data—pattern matching from vast training sets is enough to be useful. —ArsTechnica, 11 June 2025

Clarion quickly produces a debugging script and executing code validation. —Clint Boulton, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

The team eventually consolidated back to a more balanced approach after experiencing mounting operational complexity and debugging challenges that outweighed the benefits. —Forrester, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Operational Monitoring And Observability Every AI agent interaction—inputs, outputs and tool actions—should be logged to maintain an audit trail and simplify debugging. —Kingsuk Chakrabarty, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1944, 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