bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈbla-dər 

1

a

: a membranous sac in animals that serves as the receptacle of a liquid or contains gas

especially : urinary bladder

b

: a gas- or air-filled vesicle in certain algae and aquatic plants (such as rockweed) : air bladder sense b

2

: something (such as the rubber bag inside a football) resembling a bladder

bladderlike

ˈbla-dər-līk 

adjective

Examples of bladder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers observed healthy cats and those with feline interstitial cystitis—a chronic illness characterized by recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder with an urgent need to urinate. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

In a 2022 episode of 90 Day Diaries, Potthast opened up about being diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 24 Nov. 2025

Potthast had also been diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016, and opened up about his health struggles in a 2022 episode of 90 Day Diaries. —Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Nov. 2025

In 2024, doctors discovered a tumor in his bladder during one of his regular vascular exams. —Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English blǣdre; akin to Old High German blātara bladder, Old English blāwan to blow

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing bladder

• bladder kelp
• giant bladder kelp
• urinary bladder

Rhymes for bladder

• adder
• ladder
• madder
• sadder
• gallbladder
• stepladder

Kids Definition

bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈblad-ər 

1

: a pouch in an animal in which a liquid or gas is stored

especially : one into which urine passes from the kidneys and is stored temporarily until discharged by way of the urethra

2

: something resembling a bladder

especially : a bag or container that can be blown up with air

bladderlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

Medical Definition

bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈblad-ər 

1

: a membranous sac in animals that serves as the receptacle of a liquid or contains gas

especially : urinary bladder

2

: a vesicle or pouch forming part of an animal body

the bladder of a tapeworm larva