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

Scott McTominay had recovered from a stomach bug to start in Scotland's first men's World Cup game in 28 years.

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss the Champions League trip to face Olympiacos because of a stomach bug, said the Spanish giants Tuesday.

From Barron's ● Nov. 25, 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 had to wait for my mom here once when I came down with a stomach bug, and even feeling barfy with a bucket in my lap, waiting with her was kind of fun.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell