water bug

noun

Definition of water bug

: any of various small arthropods and especially insects that frequent damp or wet places: such as

a : german cockroach

b : water boatman

c : any of various large aquatic bugs (family Belostomatidae) with the hind legs flattened and used for swimming

Examples of water bug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What’s more, water bug nymphs—whose life stage lasts up to 60 days—must be as tough as adults. — National Geographic, "Giant water bugs eat turtles, ducklings, and even snakes," 3 Apr. 2019 Water pollution can harm their populations, and alien species such as crayfish and bullfrogs can prey on water bugs. — National Geographic, "Giant water bugs eat turtles, ducklings, and even snakes," 3 Apr. 2019 Plus, Dana’s sister is in town which means tales of cats, water bugs and tiny steaks to follow. — Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "Fox News Power Rankings: Dem divides emerge," 23 May 2018 These are not the tiny water bugs who float up Alpine climbs in July. — Jason Gay, WSJ, "My Masters Is Paris-Roubaix," 5 Apr. 2018 Junior forward Luke House, at 6-foot-4, had the unenviable task of guarding Baylor-Carroll, who danced with the ball like a water bug before making plays. — Aaron Carter, Philly.com, "Don'yae Baylor-Carroll, Milton Hershey stop Archbishop Carroll in state quarterfinals," 16 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'water bug.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.