bulge
18 synonyms for bulge, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A part that swells or sticks out from an otherwise flat or smooth surface.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A part that swells or sticks out from an otherwise flat or smooth surface.
“There was a strange bulge in the wallpaper where the pipe ran behind it.”
How to use bulge
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bulge outward
a slight bulge
population bulge
Etymology
From Old French boulge, "leather bag," ultimately from a Celtic root meaning "sack" or "belly" — related to "bilge," "belly," and "budget."
Full origin of bulge →Frequently asked questions
What does “bulge” mean?
The word “bulge” means a part that swells or sticks out from an otherwise flat or smooth surface. In plain terms, a part that swells out from a surface, or a sudden jump in size or amount.
How do you pronounce “bulge”?
“Bulge” is pronounced BUHLJ (/ˈbʌldʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bulge” in a sentence?
Here is “bulge” used in a sentence: “There was a strange bulge in the wallpaper where the pipe ran behind it.”
What part of speech is “bulge”?
Depending on how it is used, “bulge” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bulge” come from?
The word “bulge” comes from Old French. From Old French boulge, "leather bag," ultimately from a Celtic root meaning "sack" or "belly" — related to "bilge," "belly," and "budget.".
Is “bulge” a common word?
“Bulge” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bulge” have?
“Bulge” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a part that swells or sticks out from an otherwise flat or smooth surface.
