bedbug: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal; more formal term is 'bed bug' (often written as two words) or 'Cimex lectularius'.
Quick answer
What does “bedbug” mean?
A small, parasitic, wingless insect (Cimex lectularius) that feeds on human blood, typically infesting bedding and furniture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, parasitic, wingless insect (Cimex lectularius) that feeds on human blood, typically infesting bedding and furniture.
By metaphor, something that causes persistent, irritating problems or anxiety, akin to an infestation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions sometimes differ: American sources more commonly use the closed compound 'bedbug', while British sources may slightly prefer 'bed bug' as two words, but both forms are used interchangeably in both regions.
Connotations
Identical. Associated with travel warnings, poor hygiene, and pest control.
Frequency
Frequency is similar, rising in public discourse with increased international travel and reporting of infestations.
Grammar
How to Use “bedbug” in a Sentence
[NP] has/have bedbugs[NP] is/are infested with bedbugs[NP] got bedbugs from [NP]to check for bedbugsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bedbug” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hotel was completely bedbugged, requiring specialist treatment.
American English
- They were afraid the second-hand sofa would bedbug their apartment.
adjective
British English
- They conducted a thorough bedbug inspection.
American English
- She woke up with a bedbug bite on her arm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the hospitality, property management, and pest control industries. e.g., 'The hotel faced a lawsuit due to a bedbug infestation.'
Academic
Used in entomology, public health, and environmental science. e.g., 'The study monitored the resistance of bedbugs to common pesticides.'
Everyday
Common in travel discussions, renting apartments, and household complaints. e.g., 'We had to throw out the mattress because of bedbugs.'
Technical
Specific to entomology and pest control. e.g., 'A bedbug nymph requires a blood meal to molt to the next instar.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bedbug”
- Incorrectly writing as 'bed bug' when style guide prefers 'bedbug' or vice versa. Using 'bedbugs' as an adjective without a hyphen (e.g., 'bedbug infestation' is correct, not 'bedbug-infestation').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While they are commonly found in mattresses and bed frames, they can also live in furniture, carpets, behind wallpaper, and in electrical outlets.
Yes. Adult bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed (4-5mm long) and are visible, though their eggs and nymphs are much smaller and harder to spot.
According to current major public health organizations (like the CDC), bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, though their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, and significant psychological distress.
Both are correct and used interchangeably. 'Bedbug' is a closed compound, while 'bed bug' is an open compound. Dictionaries and style guides may differ, so consistency within a document is key.
A small, parasitic, wingless insect (Cimex lectularius) that feeds on human blood, typically infesting bedding and furniture.
Bedbug is usually neutral to informal; more formal term is 'bed bug' (often written as two words) or 'cimex lectularius'. in register.
Bedbug: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛdbʌɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛdˌbəɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A BUG that lives in your BED. Simple compound word.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BEDBUG IS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM (e.g., 'The scandal was a political bedbug they couldn't get rid of.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of a bedbug?