water bug

noun

: a small insect that lives in or near water

Full Definition of WATER BUG

: any of various small arthropods and especially insects that frequent damp or wet places: as

c : any of various large aquatic bugs (family Belostomatidae) with the hind legs flattened and used for swimming

See water bug defined for English-language learners

See water bug defined for kids

1750

WATER BUG Defined for Kids

noun

: any of various insects that live in or near water or in moist places

Next Word in the Dictionary: water buglePrevious Word in the Dictionary: water buffaloAll Words Near: water bug

What made you want to look up water bug? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears