bulge

¹

[buhlj]

noun

1. a rounded projection, bend, or protruding part; protuberance; hump.

   a bulge in a wall.

2. any sudden increase, as of numbers, sales, or prices.

   the bulge in profits.

3. a rising in small waves on the surface of a body of water, caused by the action of a fish or fishes in pursuit of food underwater.

verb (used without object)

bulged, bulging 

1. to swell or bend outward; be protuberant.

   Synonyms: project, protrude

2. to be filled to capacity.

   The box bulged with cookies.

verb (used with object)

bulged, bulging 

1. to make protuberant; cause to swell.

Bulge

²

[buhlj]

noun

1. Battle of the, the final major German counteroffensive in World War II, begun December 16, 1944, and thrusting deep into Allied territory in N and E Belgium: repulsed January 1945.

bulge

¹

/ bʌldʒ /

noun

1. a swelling or an outward curve

2. a sudden increase in number or volume, esp of population

3. another name for baby boom

4. the projecting part of an army's front line; salient

verb

1. to swell outwards

Bulge

²

/ bʌldʒ /

noun

1. (in World War II) the final major German counteroffensive in 1944 when the Allied forces were pushed back into NE Belgium; the Germans were repulsed by Jan 1945

Pronunciation Note

See bulk ¹.

Other Word Forms

• bulginess noun
• bulging adjective
• bulgy adjective
• bulgingly adverb
• outbulge verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulge¹

1200–50; Middle English: bag, hump < Old French < Latin bulga bag < Celtic; compare Irish bolg bag

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulge¹

C13: from Old French bouge , from Latin bulga bag, probably of Gaulish origin

Example Sentences

The wolf-whistles when Draper revealed his bulging biceps in a sleeveless shirt at the US Open mixed doubles last week showed the fans are aware, too.

From BBC

And throughout all of the bulging bombast, Qualley maintains determined eye contact with the camera, reminding the audience that both the character and the actor playing her remain in complete control.

From Salon

He pulled up his pants to reveal a bulging ankle and said he hadn’t heard from his doctor about when he could get it fixed.

From Los Angeles Times

One kitten was found hanging from a rope and was completely ripped open, with its eyes bulging, the court heard.

From BBC

Malnourished, with bulging eyes and a skeletal frame, she unwrapped the foil slowly, took a few small bites and then paused.

From Salon

Related Words

• lump 
• nodule 
• wart