potato bug

noun

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potato bug was in 1799

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Potato bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potato%20bug. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

potato bug

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on potato bug

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster