Doodlebug: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
doodlebug
[ หduหdษlหbสg ]
child's drawing
A doodlebug is a term often used to refer to a child's simple, whimsical drawings or sketches. These drawings are typically made without much thought or precision, focusing instead on creativity and self-expression. The term can also refer to a type of insect, specifically the larval form of the antlion, which digs conical pits in the sand to trap other insects.
Synonyms
drawing, scrawl, scribble, sketch
Examples of usage
- She made a colorful doodlebug on her notebook.
- His doodlebug was all over the page, showcasing his imagination.
- The children were encouraged to create doodlebies during art time.
insect larva
In entomology, a doodlebug refers to the larval stage of the antlion, a predatory insect known for its unique hunting method. These larvae create distinctive pits in sandy or loose soil to trap unsuspecting prey, such as ants. When insects fall into these pits, the doodlebug quickly captures them with its powerful jaws. The term is derived from their unpredictable movement patterns, which resemble doodling in the sand.
Synonyms
antlion larva, predatory insect
Examples of usage
- The doodlebug waited patiently at the bottom of its pit.
- Doodlebugs can be found in sandy areas, where they hunt for food.
- After rains, it's common to see more doodlebugs in the garden.
Translations
Translations of the word "doodlebug" in other languages:
๐ต๐น inseto do desenho
๐ฎ๐ณ เคกเฅเคกเคฒเคฌเค
๐ฉ๐ช Doodlebug
๐ฎ๐ฉ serangga gambar
๐บ๐ฆ ะดัะดะปะฑะฐะณ
๐ต๐ฑ doodlebug
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฅใผใใฅใซใใฐ
๐ซ๐ท doodlebug
๐ช๐ธ doodlebug
๐น๐ท doodlebug
๐ฐ๐ท ๋๋ค๋ฒ๊ทธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฏูุฏูุจุงุบ
๐จ๐ฟ doodlebug
๐ธ๐ฐ doodlebug
๐จ๐ณ ๆถ้ธฆ่ซ
๐ธ๐ฎ doodlebug
๐ฎ๐ธ doodlebug
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะดัะดะปะฑะฐะณ
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ doodlebug
๐ฒ๐ฝ doodlebug
Word origin
The term 'doodlebug' has a somewhat playful origins, being a combination of the word 'doodle', which means a simple, unconscious drawing, and 'bug', a colloquial term for insects. Its usage in reference to children's drawings can be traced back to the early 20th century, while its application to the antlion larva is linked to the creature's peculiar behavior and appearance. The antlion itself has been a subject of study due to its fascinating predatory technique, and the name doodlebug has added a whimsical element to its identification. The playful nature of the term captures the curiosity and creativity often associated with both children's art and nature's intricacies.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,998, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.