bug

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Medicine Informal

n. a small illness that spreads easily, like a cold or a stomach ache.

n. a non-specific contagious illness or the microorganism that causes it.

“I missed work yesterday because I picked up a stomach bug from my toddler.”

“Public health officials warned that a particularly resilient flu bug was circulating through the primary schools this winter.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a tiny hidden microphone used to secretly listen to what people are saying.

n. a concealed electronic eavesdropping or intercept device used for surveillance.

日本語:盗聴※

“The detectives found a bug hidden behind the picture frame in the suspect's office.”

“Intelligence officers suspected the embassy had been compromised and conducted a sweep to locate any hidden bugs.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Informal

n. a sudden strong interest in a new hobby or activity.

n. a sudden enthusiasm or obsession for a particular activity or subject.

“After his first trip to the mountains, he really caught the hiking bug.”

“She had never cared for gardening until last spring, when she suddenly caught the bug and transformed her entire backyard.”

B1 · Intermediate Informal

v. to bother or annoy someone.

v. to cause persistent annoyance or irritation to someone.

“It really bugs me when people talk loudly on their phones in the library.”

“The constant flickering of the overhead light began to bug the office staff, affecting their concentration throughout the afternoon.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to hide a tiny microphone in a room or on a phone to listen to private conversations.

v. to equip a room, building, or communication device with a concealed listening apparatus.

“The police had to get a warrant before they could bug the criminal's house.”

“The thriller depicts a rogue agent who manages to bug the boardroom just minutes before the high-stakes meeting begins.”

C2 · Proficiency Informal

v. when your eyes open very wide because you are surprised or shocked.

v. to protrude or bulge, typically in reference to the eyes due to shock or medical conditions.

“His eyes bugged out when he saw the massive bill for the car repairs.”

“The witness's eyes bugged in disbelief as the defendant suddenly stood up and confessed to the crime in open court.”