Meaning & use
bugging
Last updated
Secretly installing a listening device to monitor conversations; also, informally, persistently annoying or bothering someone.
See it in a sentence
The agency was caught bugging the ambassador's office.
Stop bugging me about the deadline; I know it's due tomorrow.
A note on using this word
The surveillance sense of "bug" emerged in the early 20th century, likening a hidden microphone to a small insect planted out of sight.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “bugging”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.