kissing bug

noun

: any of various large bloodsucking bugs and especially some assassin bugs (genus Triatoma) including some capable of inflicting painful bites

called also conenose

Examples of kissing bug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

North Carolinians may begin to see more kissing bugs eventually. — Eva Flowe may 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026

In California, kissing bugs typically do not defecate while biting people. — Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026

Experts recommend that if a kissing bug is found, it should not be crushed. — Raul Trey Lopez, San Antonio Express-News, 20 Apr. 2026

Preventing kissing bugs involves sealing cracks, repairing screens, and keeping outdoor areas tidy to reduce hiding spots. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026

Eleven types of kissing bugs can be found in the United States. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025

Remove wood, brush, and rock piles near your house where kissing bugs may dwell. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Unlike ticks, kissing bugs do not attach to a host. — Greta Cross, Freep.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Although kissing bugs have been identified in 32 states, Chagas disease has been considered nonendemic in the country, the CDC said. — Jennifer Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kissing bug

• antidrug
• mealybug
• multidrug
• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug
• jug
• lug
• mug
• plug

Medical Definition

kissing bug

noun

kiss·​ing bug ˈkis-iŋ-ˌbəg 

: conenose