Doodlebug: meaning, definitions and examples

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doodlebug

 

[ หˆduหdษ™lหŒbสŒg ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น inseto do desenho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเฅ‚เคกเคฒเคฌเค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Doodlebug

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ serangga gambar

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดัƒะดะปะฑะฐะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ doodlebug

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‰ใ‚ฅใƒผใƒ‰ใ‚ฅใƒซใƒใ‚ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท doodlebug

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ doodlebug

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท doodlebug

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‘๋“ค๋ฒ„๊ทธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูˆุฏู„ุจุงุบ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ doodlebug

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ doodlebug

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆถ‚้ธฆ่™ซ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ doodlebug

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ doodlebug

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดัƒะดะปะฑะฐะณ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒฃแƒ“แƒšแƒ‘แƒแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ doodlebug

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.