bug

[[t]bʌ̱g[/t]]

bugs, bugging, bugged

1) N-COUNT: usu pl A bug is an insect or similar small creature. [INFORMAL]

We noticed tiny bugs that were all over the walls.

...a bloodsucking bug which infests poor housing.

2) N-COUNT A bug is an illness which is caused by small organisms such as bacteria. [INFORMAL]

I think I've got a bit of a stomach bug...

There was a bug going around at the club.

...the killer brain bug meningitis.

3) N-COUNT If there is a bug in a computer programme, there is a mistake in it.

There is a bug in the software.

4) N-COUNT A bug is a tiny hidden microphone which transmits what people are saying.

There was a bug on the phone.

5) VERB If someone bugs a place, they hide tiny microphones in it which transmit what people are saying.

[V n] He heard that they were planning to bug his office...

[V n] I found out my phone was bugged.

Syn:

wire, tap

Derived words:

bugging N-UNCOUNT

...an electronic bugging device.

6) N-SING: oft n N You can say that someone has been bitten by a particular bug when they suddenly become very enthusiastic about something. [INFORMAL]

I've definitely been bitten by the gardening bug...

Roundhay Park in Leeds was the place I first got the fishing bug.

7) VERB If someone or something bugs you, they worry or annoy you. [INFORMAL]

[V n] I only did it to bug my parents.