# debug

/diˈbəɡ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/debug
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

to find and fix mistakes in a computer program or a piece of electronic equipment.

For teachers: to identify and remove errors from computer hardware or software. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- I need to debug this code before the website goes live.
- The software engineers spent the entire weekend trying to debug the new update after users reported frequent crashes.
- Effective software development requires not just writing clean code, but also the ability to systematically debug complex systems where errors may be deeply hidden within the architecture.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

---

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.