doodlebug

¹

[dood-l-buhg]

noun

1. the larva of an antlion.

doodlebug

²

[dood-l-buhg]

noun

1. any of various small, squat vehicles.

2. a divining rod or similar device supposedly useful in locating underground water, oil, minerals, etc.

3. British Informal.,  buzz bomb.

doodlebug

/ ˈduːdəlˌbʌɡ /

noun

1. another name for the V-1

2. a diviner's rod

3. a US name for antlion

4. any of certain insect larvae that resemble the antlion

Word History and Origins

Origin of doodlebug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; doodle ¹ + bug ¹

Origin of doodlebug²

First recorded in 1865–70; special use of doodlebug ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of doodlebug¹

C20: probably from _doodle + _bug ¹

Example Sentences

"My first posting was London district - the bombing was still going on and I saw the first 'doodlebug' fall," she said.

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While stationed in Liverpool as a Royal Air Force physical training instructor, a doodlebug landed near Max, perforating his eardrums and leading to a spell laid up in hospital.

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“I would buy you all them cakes, doodlebug,” said Grandfather Burke.

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Mrs. Ellis once had to take evasive action to avoid a deadly Nazi flying bomb known as a “doodlebug” or “buzz bomb” because of its noise.

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She survived a war in London and as a child she saw the doodlebugs come down.

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