potato bug

noun

Examples of potato bug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The possum-size critters—nearly blind and resembling a cross between an anteater and a giant potato bug—have been creeping north from Texas for decades and in recent years have made a home in the Land of Lincoln, tearing up yards, drawing puzzled looks and littering highways with their carcasses. Joe Barrett, WSJ, 27 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'potato bug.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potato bug was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near potato bug

Cite this Entry

“Potato bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potato%20bug. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

potato bug

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on potato bug

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