bug-eyed

American

[buhg-ahyd] / ˈbʌgˌaɪd /

adjective

with bulging eyes, as from fright, surprise, or wonderment; wide-eyed.

Etymology

Origin of bug-eyed

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; bug ¹ + eyed

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In 1951 there arrived in Cambridge, as Mr. Cobb describes him, “a tall, thin, bug-eyed American called Jim Watson,” who began collaborating with Crick on the problem.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

Creatures such as white dragon-like birds, glowing blue sponges, bug-eyed sloths, mutant frogs, flying bunnies and the creepiest of crawlies imaginable enrich each frame with impressive detail and lively color.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2024

But his unwillingness to be a bug-eyed lunatic has hurt his fundraising numbers.

From Salon • Sep. 14, 2023

Richard Dormer is given a cameo in which the bug-eyed intensity he brought to “Fortitude” and “The Watch” gives a comic twist to some obligatory exposition.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2023

It was a rusty brown 1936 Ford coupe with big bug-eyed headlights mounted on the fenders.

From "Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023