noun
Uncommon
bulge
BUHLJ
Bulge (noun) means a part that swells or sticks out from an otherwise flat or smooth surface. Example: “There was a strange bulge in the wallpaper where the pipe ran behind it.”
noun
1
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."
"A bulge in his jacket pocket revealed he was carrying his phone."
2
A sudden increase in the size or value of something.
"Retailers reported a bulge in sales just before the holidays."
verb
1
To swell or push outward, especially under pressure.
"His eyes bulged in surprise when he heard the news."
How to use bulge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA part that swells out from a surface, or a sudden jump in size or amount.
Common pairings
bulge outward
a slight bulge
population bulge
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Word forms
- Plural
- bulges
- Third person singular
- bulges
- Past tense
- bulged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was a strange _____ in the wallpaper where the pipe ran behind it.
Etymology
From Old French boulge, "leather bag," ultimately from a Celtic root meaning "sack" or "belly" — related to "bilge," "belly," and "budget."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for bulge
See all rhymes for 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.
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