bedbug

noun

bed·​bug ˈbed-ˌbəg 

: a wingless bloodsucking hemipterous bug (especially Cimex lectularius) sometimes infesting houses and especially beds and feeding on human blood

Illustration of bedbug

Examples of bedbug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As inspections continued, bedbugs were not found on the second floor. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

In other words, after spinning her wheels for a year in Hollywood, living with bedbugs and helping other actors with their self-tapes, Cline had to fly back home to South Carolina to land the role that would make her career. — Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026

Anyone with a bedbug issue at their home is prohibited from entering any Ypsilanti District Library branch as a preventive measure. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

One of the more gruesome stories about bedbugs and human health was detailed in a 2020 medical journal case report from France. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bedbug

noun

bed·​bug ˈbed-ˌbəg 

: a wingless bloodsucking bug sometimes infesting houses and especially beds

Medical Definition

bedbug

noun

bed·​bug ˈbed-ˌbəg 

: a wingless bloodsucking bug (Cimex lectularius) sometimes infesting houses and especially beds and feeding on human blood

called also chinch