Illustration of bugle
: any of a genus (Ajuga) of plants of the mint family
especially
: a European annual (A. reptans) that has spikes of blue flowers and is naturalized in the U.S.
: a valveless brass instrument that resembles a trumpet and is used especially for military calls
bugled; bugling
ˈbyü-g(ə-)liŋ 
: a small cylindrical bead of glass or plastic used for trimming especially on women's clothing
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What is the origin of bugle?
In early English, the word bugle meant “wild ox.” The horns of oxen were made into signaling devices for soldiers and hunters, first called bugle horns. Later this was shortened to bugle.
Examples of bugle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
With the high rating of the unit’s drum section and prospects of a large bugle section, Litchfield has the promise of seeing a snappy outfit again this summer.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Sarah Kuta, The Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2024
In autumn, crowds thin and elk herds swell and bugle amongst the sunset-hues of the aspen and cottonwood trees.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bugle 
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Noun
The team also excavated remains of a horse bridle, a bugle and several unidentified bronze and iron artifacts.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
With the high rating of the unit’s drum section and prospects of a large bugle section, Litchfield has the promise of seeing a snappy outfit again this summer.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
Elk are bugling in Rocky Mountain National Park, juicy apples are waiting to be picked at Colorado orchards and golden yellow aspen leaves are dancing in the high country — sure signs that autumn has officially arrived.
—Sarah Kuta, The Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2024
In autumn, crowds thin and elk herds swell and bugle amongst the sunset-hues of the aspen and cottonwood trees.
—Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bugle
Dictionary Entries Near bugle
Cite this Entry
“Bugle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bugle. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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