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

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."

A sudden increase in the size or value of something.

"Retailers reported a bulge in sales just before the holidays."

verb

To swell or push outward, especially under pressure.

"His eyes bulged in surprise when he heard the news."

How to Use Bulge

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word Forms

bulged past tense, bulges plural, bulges singular

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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."

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for bulge

indulge divulge

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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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Words With French Origins