debug

American  

[dee-buhg] / diˈbʌg /

verb (used with object)

debugged, debugging

1. to detect and remove defects or errors from.

2. to remove electronic bugs from (a room or building).

3. Computers. to detect and remove errors from (a computer program).

4. to rid (a garden, plant, etc.) of insect pests, as by the application of a pesticide.

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debug British  

/ diːˈbʌɡ /

verb

1. to locate and remove concealed microphones from (a room, etc)

2. to locate and remove defects in (a device, system, plan, etc)

3. to remove insects from

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noun

1. 1. something, esp a computer program, that locates and removes defects in (a device, system, etc)

   2. ( as modifier )

      a debug program

Other Word Forms

• debugger noun

Etymology

Origin of debug

First recorded in 1940–45; de- + bug ¹

Example Sentences

"Thanks to generative AI, researchers with a limited background in data science won't always need to form wide collaborations or spend hours debugging code," Tarca said.

From Science Daily

The agents then perform tasks such as sending emails and debugging code and even calling restaurants to make reservations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Imagine that you’re a senior software engineer debugging a system crash.

From The Wall Street Journal

Software developers, for instance, routinely use AI tools to generate boilerplate code, test functions and debug routines—tasks that once consumed hours.

From The Wall Street Journal

He encourages users to engage with the technology as a dynamic co-pilot for tasks ranging from debugging code to planning a vacation.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• unscramble