bun
5 synonyms for bun, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small round bread roll, often sweet, or used to hold a filling like a burger.
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 bun
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
burger bun
hair in a bun
currant bun
Etymology
From Middle English "bunne," probably via Old French bugne ("bump, fritter"), ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "lump" or "clump."
Full origin of bun →Frequently asked questions
What does “bun” mean?
The word “bun” means a small round bread roll, often sweet, or used to hold a filling like a burger. In plain terms, a small bread roll, or a rolled-up hairstyle.
How do you pronounce “bun”?
“Bun” is pronounced buhn (/bʌn/ in IPA).
How do you use “bun” in a sentence?
Here is “bun” used in a sentence: “She toasted the burger buns on the grill.”
What part of speech is “bun”?
Depending on how it is used, “bun” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bun” come from?
The word “bun” comes from Old French. From Middle English "bunne," probably via Old French bugne ("bump, fritter"), ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "lump" or "clump.".
Is “bun” a common word?
“Bun” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “bun” have?
“Bun” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small round bread roll, often sweet, or used to hold a filling like a burger.
What is the difference between a bun and a roll?
A bun is typically a small round bread roll, often sweet or used to hold a filling like a burger, while "roll" is a broader term covering small bread portions of many shapes. In practice the two words overlap heavily for burger and sandwich bread.
What does it mean to put your hair "in a bun"?
To put hair in a bun means to gather and tie it into a rounded knot at the back or top of the head, used both as a noun for the hairstyle and as a verb for the act of styling it.
