bugle

1 of 4

noun (1)

bu·​gle ˈbyü-gəl How to pronounce bugle (audio)
: any of a genus (Ajuga) of plants of the mint family
especially : a European annual (A. reptans) that has spikes of blue flowers and is naturalized in the U.S.

bugle

2 of 4

noun (2)

: a valveless brass instrument that resembles a trumpet and is used especially for military calls

Illustration of bugle

Illustration of bugle

bugle

3 of 4

verb

bugled; bugling ˈbyü-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce bugle (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to sound a bugle
2
: to utter the characteristic rutting call of the bull elk

bugle

4 of 4

noun (3)

: a small cylindrical bead of glass or plastic used for trimming especially on women's clothing

Did you know?

What is the origin of bugle?

In early English, the word bugle meant “wild ox.” The horns of oxen were made into signaling devices for soldiers and hunters, first called bugle horns. Later this was shortened to bugle.

Examples of bugle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
For decades, as Tampa has swelled with new residents and old landmarks faded away, the eye-opening sounds of bugle calls have remained in the air like clockwork. Christopher Spata, Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2024 Hundreds gathered outside the church, where bagpipes and bugles played, according to The Associated Press. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 19 July 2024 The keen of bagpipes, a three-volley gun salute and a bugle sounding taps pierced the air of a small Pennsylvania town on Friday as hundreds gathered to honor an ex-fire chief who was shot and killed at a rally for former President Donald Trump. Michael R. Sisak, Maryclaire Dale, TIME, 19 July 2024 Robin Nigh usually hears the tinny-sounding bugle on her early-morning walks in Ballast Point. Christopher Spata, Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for bugle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bugle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English bugle, bugill, borrowed from Anglo-French bugle, borrowed from Medieval Latin bugula, of uncertain origin; perhaps from the same source as Late Latin bugillōn-, bugillō, if it designates the same plant

Noun (2)

Middle English, buffalo, instrument made of buffalo horn, bugle, from Anglo-French, from Latin buculus, diminutive of bos head of cattle — more at cow

Noun (3)

perhaps from bugle entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1573, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bugle was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near bugle

Cite this Entry

“Bugle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bugle. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

bugle

noun
bu·​gle
ˈbyü-gəl
: a brass musical instrument like the trumpet but without valves
bugle verb
bugler
-glər
noun
Etymology

Noun

Middle English bugle "wild ox," from early French bugle (same meaning), from Latin buculus "young steer"

Word Origin
In early English the word bugle meant "wild ox." The horns of oxen were made into signaling devices for soldiers and hunters, first called bugle horns. Later this was shortened to bugle.

More from Merriam-Webster on bugle

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