verb

bulldoze

BUUL-dohz

Bulldoze (verb) means to flatten or clear something using a bulldozer. Example: “The old cinema was bulldozed to make way for flats.”

verb

To flatten or clear something using a bulldozer.

"The old cinema was bulldozed to make way for flats."

To force something through aggressively, ignoring objections.

"He bulldozed the proposal through the committee without proper debate."

How to use bulldoze

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo knock down with heavy machinery, or figuratively to push something through by force.

Common pairings

bulldoze a building bulldoze through opposition

Word forms

bulldozed past tense, bulldozes singular

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The old cinema was _____ to make way for flats.

Etymology

From an earlier noun "bulldose," literally "a dose fit for a bull" — meaning a heavy, forceful blow — later reapplied to the machine.

Rhymes for bulldoze

ooze doze booze snooze schmooze

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Frequently asked questions

What does “bulldoze” mean?

The word “bulldoze” means to flatten or clear something using a bulldozer. In plain terms, to knock down with heavy machinery, or figuratively to push something through by force.

How do you pronounce “bulldoze”?

“Bulldoze” is pronounced BUUL-dohz (/ˈbʊldoʊz/ in IPA).

How do you use “bulldoze” in a sentence?

Here is “bulldoze” used in a sentence: “The old cinema was bulldozed to make way for flats.”

What part of speech is “bulldoze”?

“Bulldoze” is a verb.

How many meanings does “bulldoze” have?

“Bulldoze” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to flatten or clear something using a bulldozer.