noun
bugbear
Bugbear (noun) means a problem that keeps coming back and causes trouble.
noun
1
A problem that keeps coming back and causes trouble.
"Level crossings are the bugbear of railway operation at Hull. There are no fewer than 16 within the city boundary."
— , Talking of Trains: Hull's level crossing problem (1962)
"Stone ballast is now used throughout the main line, and has the additional advantage of eliminating the previous bugbear of dust."
— O. S. M. Raw, The Rhodesia Railways—I (1940)
"Next, they operate in constrained worlds. Apple is a particular bugbear for Mr Zuckerberg and Mr Sweeney."
— , The billionaire battle for the metaverse (2021)
2
Something that causes fear, annoyance or lasting resentment.
3
An imaginary monster, usually pictured as a large goblin, used to frighten children.
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Etymology
From obsolete meaning of bug (“something terrifying”) + bear. See Middle English bugge, modern bogey.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bugbear
See all rhymes for bugbear →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of bugbear?
"bugbear" (noun) means a problem that keeps coming back and causes trouble.
What is another word for bugbear?
Other words for "bugbear" include bogeyman, booger, bugaboo, boogeyman, hobgoblin.
What are the different meanings of bugbear?
"bugbear" has 3 main meanings: 1. A problem that keeps coming back and causes trouble; 2. Something that causes fear, annoyance or lasting resentment; 3. An imaginary monster, usually pictured as a large goblin, used to frighten children.
