stomach bug

American  

[stuhm-uhk buhg] / ˈstʌm ək ˌbʌg /

noun

• stomach bugs
  plural

1. a short-term illness with digestive symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea, caused by a virus or bacteria.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• stomach bugs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of stomach bug

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stomach bug

“It lasts much longer than a stomach bug where you’re sick for a day and you bounce back.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

Suryakumar said dashing opener Abhishek Sharma has recovered well from a stomach bug and was likely to play.

From Barron's ● Feb. 14, 2026

Denmark were booed off at the end of their draw with Belarus, head coach Brian Riemer was furious at their performance and there is a stomach bug in their camp they fear might spread.

From BBC ● Nov. 17, 2025

It increases with bad stress like a difficult meeting or a stomach bug, as well as good stress like a family reunion or a birthday party.

From Slate ● Sep. 9, 2025

I admit I felt a little bad for Mom, who was genuinely concerned that he had a stomach bug, but I had promised August I wouldn’t tell her about the incident at school.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio