bullet
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bullet, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small metal projectile fired from a gun.
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.
How to use bullet
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French boulette, diminutive of boule, "ball" — the projectile is named after its rounded shape.
Full origin of bullet →Frequently asked questions
What does “bullet” mean?
The word “bullet” means a small metal projectile fired from a gun. In plain terms, either the metal projectile fired from a gun, or the dot used to mark a list item.
How do you pronounce “bullet”?
“Bullet” is pronounced BUU-liht (/ˈbʊlɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “bullet” in a sentence?
Here is “bullet” used in a sentence: “The bullet lodged in the wooden door frame.”
What part of speech is “bullet”?
Depending on how it is used, “bullet” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bullet” come from?
The word “bullet” comes from Old French. From Old French boulette, diminutive of boule, "ball" — the projectile is named after its rounded shape.
Is “bullet” a common word?
“Bullet” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “bullet” have?
“Bullet” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small metal projectile fired from a gun.
What is the difference between a bullet and a cartridge?
A bullet is only the small metal projectile fired from a gun. A cartridge is the whole unit, combining the bullet with the casing, gunpowder, and primer, so people often say 'bullet' loosely when they mean the complete round.
What is a bullet point?
A bullet point is a small dot or symbol used to mark each item in a list, helping to separate and organise short pieces of information. The 'bullet' here is the mark itself, not the text beside it.
What do the idioms 'bite the bullet' and 'dodge a bullet' mean?
To 'bite the bullet' means to force yourself to do something difficult or unpleasant, while to 'dodge a bullet' means to narrowly avoid a danger or problem. Both draw on the image of the metal projectile fired from a gun.
Should you write 'bullet' or 'bullet point' in a document?
When talking about a list, both 'bullet' and 'bullet point' are correct for the mark. 'Bullet point' is the fuller, clearer term, while 'bullet' alone is common once the context is obvious.