1. plural of firebug; people who deliberately set fires; arsonists.
Usage: informal; often used in journalism and law enforcement contexts
2. plural of firebug; a type of insect (Pyrrhocoris apterus) with a red and black pattern, found in warm regions.
Usage: entomology; also called red bug or cotton stainer

Examples

• Investigators believe the firebugs struck three buildings in the downtown area last month.
• The fire department warned residents to report any suspicious activity that might indicate firebugs at work.
• Firebugs are attracted to warm climates and are often found in agricultural regions.
• The red markings on firebugs make them easy to identify in the garden.
• Police arrested two suspected firebugs after the warehouse fire.
• Entomologists study firebugs to understand their feeding habits and life cycle.