Bugaboo definition

bŭgə-bo͝o
bugaboos
See word origin
Frequency:
A difficult or persistent problem.
noun
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An object of often obsessive fear, anxiety, or irritation.

Raising the bugaboo of socialism to derail a plan for national health insurance.

noun
0
0
A bugbear.
noun
0
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Alternative spelling of bug-a-boo.
noun
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
bugaboo
Plural:
bugaboos

Origin of bugaboo

  • Perhaps of Celtic origin and akin to Welsh bwg ghost

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition