doodlebug

[ dood-l-buhg ]

See synonyms for doodlebug on Thesaurus.com

noun

the larva of an antlion.

Origin of doodlebug

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; doodle¹ + bug¹

Other definitions for doodlebug (2 of 2)

doodlebug²

[ dood-l-buhg ]

noun

any of various small, squat vehicles.
a divining rod or similar device supposedly useful in locating underground water, oil, minerals, etc.

British Informal. buzz bomb.

Origin of doodlebug

First recorded in 1865–70; special use of doodlebug¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use doodlebug in a sentence

It would be just as good as 'doodle-bug,' and more—more accurate.
The Unspeakable Perk | Samuel Hopkins Adams
Come on, yu pie-eatin' doodle-bug; I'll beat yu to th' gate!
Hopalong Cassidy's Rustler Round-Up | Clarence Edward Mulford

British Dictionary definitions for doodlebug

doodlebug

/ (ˈduːdəlˌbʌɡ) /

noun

another name for the V-1
a diviner's rod

a US name for antlion (def. 2)
US any of certain insect larvae that resemble the antlion

Origin of doodlebug

C20: probably from doodle + bug 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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