doodlebug

¹

[ dood-l-buhg ]

noun

1. the larva of an antlion.

doodlebug

²

[ dood-l-buhg ]

noun

1. any of various small, squat vehicles.
2. a divining rod or similar device supposedly useful in locating underground water, oil, minerals, etc.
3. British Informal. buzz bomb.

doodlebug

/ ˈduːdəlˌbʌɡ /

noun

1. another name for the V-1
2. a diviner's rod
3. a US name for antlion
4. any of certain insect larvae that resemble the antlion

Word History and Origins

Origin of doodlebug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; doodle ¹ + bug ¹

Origin of doodlebug²

First recorded in 1865–70; special use of doodlebug ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of doodlebug¹

C20: probably from doodle + bug ¹

Example Sentences

"My first posting was London district - the bombing was still going on and I saw the first 'doodlebug' fall," she said.

From BBC

While stationed in Liverpool as a Royal Air Force physical training instructor, a doodlebug landed near Max, perforating his eardrums and leading to a spell laid up in hospital.

From BBC

“I would buy you all them cakes, doodlebug,” said Grandfather Burke.

From Literature

Mrs. Ellis once had to take evasive action to avoid a deadly Nazi flying bomb known as a “doodlebug” or “buzz bomb” because of its noise.

From Washington Post

She survived a war in London and as a child she saw the doodlebugs come down.

From BBC