# bugging

/ˈbəɡɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈʌɡɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bugging
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to annoy or bother someone. You use this when something small is making you feel frustrated or impatient.

For teachers: to annoy, irritate, or pester someone. Often used in the progressive form to describe a persistent source of irritation.

## Examples

- My little brother is bugging me while I try to work.
- Something about the way he answered the question has been bugging me all afternoon.
- The persistent rattle in the dashboard was bugging the driver so much that he pulled over to inspect the vehicle.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is bugging to me." but "He is bugging me." — Bugging is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and typically used in informal spoken contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.