1. the larva of an antlion that digs cone-shaped pits in sand to trap ants and other insects
2. a small tractor or bulldozer used for light construction work
Usage: informal
3. a German V-1 flying bomb used during World War II
Usage: historical; informal

Examples

• The children watched the doodlebug at the bottom of its sandy pit waiting for prey.
• Antlions are sometimes called doodlebugs because of their larvae’s peculiar hunting method.
• The farmer used a small doodlebug to clear the brush from his property.
• Construction crews brought in a doodlebug to level the small area.
• During the Blitz, Londoners feared the distinctive sound of incoming doodlebugs.
• The V-1 rockets were nicknamed doodlebugs by British civilians.
• We found several doodlebug pits in the sandy soil near the playground.
• The contractor’s doodlebug made quick work of the landscaping project.