Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

bugbear

 - 2 dictionary results

bug⋅bear

  [buhg-bair]
Use bugbear in a Sentence
–noun
1. any source, real or imaginary, of needless fright or fear.
2. a persistent problem or source of annoyance.
3. Folklore. a goblin that eats up naughty children.
Origin:
1570–80; bug 2 + bear 2
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To bugbear
bug·bear   (bŭg'bâr')   
n.  

  1. A bugaboo.

  2. A fearsome imaginary creature, especially one evoked to frighten children.


[Obsolete bug, hobgoblin (from Middle English bugge, perhaps from Welsh bwg) + bear2.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see bugbear on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way