Phrase guide

bug spray

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

Insecticide in aerosol form for killing household pests.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • This can of bug spray says that it "kills most bugs in seconds" and that you should avoid getting any of it on yourself and should wash and launder thoroughly if that happens, although it is not poisonous to humans.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: insecticide, substance, stuff

2

noun

Meaning 2

Insect repellent in aerosol form, such as one sprays on one's clothing and/or skin to keep away mosquitoes, gnats, flies, midges, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • This can of bug spray says that it is nontoxic to humans and pets and that you should periodically reapply it to your arms and clothing as needed.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: insect repellent, substance, stuff

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 殺蟲劑 /杀虫剂 (shāchóngjì) — insecticide for household pests
  • Finnish: hyönteiskarkote — insecticide for household pests
  • German: Insektenspray — insecticide for household pests
  • Japanese: 虫よけスプレー (mushiyoke supurē) — insecticide for household pests
  • Polish: spray na owady — insecticide for household pests
  • Portuguese: repelente — insecticide for household pests
  • Spanish: repelente de insectos — insecticide for household pests
  • Turkish: böceksavar — insecticide for household pests