Bulge

/bʌldʒ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A protruding or swelling part; an outward curve or bulging shape.

She noticed a bulge in her backpack that suggested she had packed too much.

An abnormal or excessive swelling or protuberance.

The doctor examined the bulge on his arm to determine if it was a cyst.

verb

To swell or protrude outward.

The tire began to bulge due to overinflation.

To extend outward in a rounded shape.

The child’s stomach bulged after eating a large meal.

Middle English 'bulgen', from Old French 'bulge', from Latin 'bulga' meaning 'leather bag or pouch'.

bulge at the seams

to be very full or tightly packed, often to the point of breaking.

bulge one's eyes

to open one's eyes wide in surprise or shock.

bulging wallet

a wallet that is very full, often implying someone is wealthy.

inflate

to fill something with air or gas, causing it to swell.

protrude

to stick out; to extend outward.

swell

to increase in size or volume.

a noticeable bulge in clothing that suggests the presence of something unusual.

He tried to hide the bulge in his pants.

an excessive or exaggerated feature.

That car's design has a serious bulge that stands out.