firebug

[ fahyuhr-buhg ]

noun

, Informal.

1. arsonist; incendiary; pyromaniac.

firebug

/ ˈfaɪəˌbʌɡ /

noun

1. informal.
   a person who deliberately sets fire to property

Word History and Origins

Origin of firebug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; fire + bug ¹

Example Sentences

Organizers have prepared a form and a mobile app to help people identify and report their firebug and lacewing sightings during this year’s two insect-counting events.

From Seattle Times

In the Bicentennial story, “The Finishers,” Carney, distraught when one of his tenants is badly injured in a fire set at an abandoned building, sends Pepper on a dangerous goose chase after the firebug.

From Los Angeles Times

A man who tried to start two forest fires in southwestern Oregon was thwarted by three bystanders who tied the firebug to a tree until police arrived.

From Washington Times

Outside, hundreds of bright red firebug beetles jockey for relief from the spring chill in a sliver of sunlight.

From BBC

It’s inevitable that Jennifer will dabble in the same treacherous behavior as her dad: She becomes a punked-out teenager, firebug and pothead.

From Washington Post