bugaboo

noun

bug·​a·​boo ˈbə-gə-ˌbü How to pronounce bugaboo (audio)
plural bugaboos
Synonyms of bugaboo
1
: an imaginary object of fear
2
: bugbear sense 2
also : something that causes fear or distress out of proportion to its importance

Synonyms of bugaboo

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Examples of bugaboo in a Sentence

politicians complaining about that old bugaboo, high oil prices doing one's tax returns is a real bugaboo for a lot of people
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His biggest bugaboo in May was allowing home runs. — Jim Bowden, New York Times, 8 June 2026 The bugaboo was errors and going into the bottom of the sixth tied, errors popped up to beat them again. — Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026 Quite simply, Texas got bit by the same bugaboo that has haunted it this entire season. — Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 8 Mar. 2026 But defense remains a big bugaboo, especially around the rim. — Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bugaboo

Word History

Etymology

earlier buggybow, bugger-bo, of unknown origin

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bugaboo was in 1598

Rhymes for bugaboo

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Browse Nearby Words

Bug
bugaboo
Bugaku
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Cite this Entry

“Bugaboo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bugaboo. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bugaboo

noun
bug·​a·​boo ˈbəg-ə-ˌbü How to pronounce bugaboo (audio)
plural bugaboos
: bugbear sense 2, bogey

More from Merriam-Webster on bugaboo

Nglish: Translation of bugaboo for Spanish Speakers

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