bedbug

noun

bed·​bug ˈbed-ˌbəg How to pronounce bedbug (audio)
: a wingless bloodsucking hemipterous bug (especially Cimex lectularius) sometimes infesting houses and especially beds and feeding on human blood

Illustration of bedbug

Illustration of bedbug

Examples of bedbug in a Sentence

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.
If your topper doesn’t fully encase your mattress, consider a separate case that will protect your mattress from bedbugs, dust mites and allergens and layer your topper over that. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025 How to check for bedbugs when traveling Typically, bedbugs hide out in gaps in the bed frames and headboards, mattresses, bedsheets and pillows. — Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 Biles went on a binge on fast food, police complained about bedbugs, champion found worms in fish. — Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2024 In a court declaration, Khalil describes his time at the Elizabeth Detention Center as uncomfortable, with no beds or blankets, and alleges he was not informed of the bedbug issue. — Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bedbug

Word History

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bedbug was in 1708

Browse Nearby Words

bed book
bedbug
bedbug hunter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bedbug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bedbug. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

bedbug

noun
bed·​bug ˈbed-ˌbəg How to pronounce bedbug (audio)
: a wingless bloodsucking bug sometimes infesting houses and especially beds

Medical Definition

bedbug

noun
bed·​bug ˈbed-ˌbəg How to pronounce bedbug (audio)
: a wingless bloodsucking bug (Cimex lectularius) sometimes infesting houses and especially beds and feeding on human blood

called also chinch

More from Merriam-Webster on bedbug

Nglish: Translation of bedbug for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bedbug

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