bullfrog

[ bool-frog, -frawg ]

noun

1. a large frog, especially the North American Rana catesbeiana, having a deep voice.

bullfrog

/ ˈbʊlˌfrɒɡ /

noun

1. any of various large frogs, such as Rana catesbeiana ( American bullfrog ), having a loud deep croak

Word History and Origins

Origin of bullfrog¹

1690–1700, Americanism; bull ¹ + frog ¹; so called from its size and voice

Example Sentences

"I sing like a bullfrog," he once told record producer Fred Foster.

From BBC

Each one’s momentary glow pulses alive and fades in syncopated rhythm with the drowsy croaks of bullfrogs.

From Salon

Barney teamed up with Meryl Mims, associate professor of biological sciences who studies bullfrogs and uses acoustics in her research, to look into the possible role of acoustics regarding invasive plants.

From Science Daily

From the cricket’s chirp to the bullfrog’s bellow, you might think that nature is awash in music.

From National Geographic

To Walter Kerr, also writing in The Times, she was “that cousin of bullfrogs and consort of weary gods,” described as “discreet, dangerous … and gratifyingly funny.”

From New York Times

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