bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈbla-dər How to pronounce bladder (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of bladder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The 2024 release will include original 1990 colors throughout the year and still features the pump bladder with the tennis ball tongue. Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Some conditions may include overactive bladder, kidney stones, high blood pressure, and depression or anxiety. Madeleine Burry, Health, 28 Feb. 2024 In one case, a misdiagnosis led to a patient’s bladder being removed, according to the report and the people. Katie Shepherd, Washington Post, 24 Feb. 2024 The black rubber turns out to be swaths of the fuel bladder, its white stenciled serial numbers still bright and legible. Carolyn Wells, Longreads, 22 Feb. 2024 Austin's health: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was admitted to a critical care unit after being hospitalized for a bladder issue. Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024 His death, at a rehabilitation facility, was from heart failure and complications of bladder cancer, his wife, Windsor Johnston, said. Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2024 In 2003, Harald underwent surgery for bladder cancer and had another operation for heart valve problems in 2005. Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 Sometimes, the condition can lead to symptoms such as difficulty urinating, loss of bladder control or waking up at night to urinate multiple times. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bladder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bladder was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near bladder

Cite this Entry

“Bladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bladder. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bladder

noun
blad·​der ˈblad-ər How to pronounce bladder (audio)
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 adjective

Medical Definition

bladder

noun
blad·​der ˈblad-ər How to pronounce bladder (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on bladder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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