bullet

noun

bul·​let ˈbu̇-lət 

also ˈbə-

often attributive

1

: a round or elongated missile (as of lead) to be fired from a firearm

broadly : cartridge sense a

2

a

: something resembling a bullet (as in curved form)

b

: a large dot placed in printed matter to call attention to a particular passage

3

: a very fast and accurately thrown or hit object (such as a ball or puck)

bulleted

ˈbu̇-lə-təd 

also ˈbə-

adjective

Synonyms of bullet

• ball
• ammunition
• shell
• cartridge
• pellet

Examples of bullet in a Sentence

He was killed by an assassin's bullet.

Bullets were used to separate each item.

The quarterback threw a bullet to the receiver.

Recent Examples on the Web

Last year, bullets came flying through their unit after gunfire erupted out in the parking lot. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 23 Nov. 2025

For a more sculpted look, use the narrow side of the bullet to apply bronzer more precisely to the hairline, jawline, cheekbones, and any other areas that call for some contour. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2025

He was dressed in full black, with a gas mask and ballistic helmet covering his face and head, as well as a bullet-resistant vest, leggings, a throat protector, a groin protector and tactical gloves. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025

Like his brother, RFK's political career was also cut short by an assassin's bullet. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French boulette small ball & boulet missile, diminutives of boule ball — more at bowl

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bullet

• bite the bullet
• bullet point
• bullet train
• dodge a bullet
• dodge the bullet
• magic bullet
• rubber bullet
• silver bullet

Rhymes for bullet

• pullet

Kids Definition

bullet

noun

bul·​let ˈbu̇l-ət 

1

: a usually cone-shaped lead pellet fixed in the front of a firearms cartridge

2

a

: something like a bullet

b

: a large dot used in print to call attention to a particular passage

3

: a very fast and accurately thrown or hit object (as a ball)

bulleted

-ət-əd 

adjective

Etymology

from early French boulette "small ball" and boulet "something thrown or shot," from boule "ball," from Latin bulla "bubble" — related to boil, bowl