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Definition of maybug

maybug

/ˈmeɪ.bʌɡ/
may · bug
Plural:maybugs
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maybug Lexical Profile

• noun

1

British A large, loud-flying European beetle (Melolontha melolontha) of the scarab family, also known as the cockchafer, that typically emerges in large numbers in the month of May.

Example

"In the warm spring twilight, a heavy maybug flew clumsily against the illuminated windowpane."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for maybug

Word Nuance & Usage

Primarily used in British English; speakers of American English often refer to similar beetles emerging in early summer as 'June bugs'.

• Nearby Words

mayan
mayapple
maybe
maybug
mayday
mayflower
mayfly

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 17th century from 'May' (the month the beetle typically emerges in Europe) combined with 'bug'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Maybug. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/maybug
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