doodlebug

¹ American  

[dood-l-buhg] / ˈdud lˌbʌg /

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.

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doodlebug ² American  

[dood-l-buhg] / ˈdud lˌbʌg /

noun

1. the larva of an antlion.

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doodlebug British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of doodlebug¹

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

Origin of doodlebug¹

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

From BBC

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.

From BBC

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

From Literature

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.

From Washington Post

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

From BBC