bloat

1 of 3

adjective

bloat

2 of 3

verb

bloated; bloating; bloats

transitive verb

1
a
: to make turgid or swollen
b
: to cause abdominal distension in
2
: to fill to capacity or overflowing

bloat

3 of 3

noun

1
a
: one that is bloated
b
: unwarranted or excessive growth or enlargement
bureaucratic bloat
2
: digestive disturbance of ruminant animals and especially cattle marked by accumulation of gas in one or more stomach compartments
3
: a condition of large dogs marked by distension and usually life-threatening rotation of the stomach

Examples of bloat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Their system reduces the layers that typically bloat production timelines. Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 Local officials also insist there isn’t bloat in their government accounts. Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2025
Verb
Common side effects include temporary worsening of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and IBS symptoms. Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2025 Intermittent fasting may cause temporary gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and constipation due to changes in digestion and the gut microbiome. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
This would force universities to shrink administrative bloat and their politicized departments. Greg Maresca, Boston Herald, 29 July 2025 This competition, however, has often focused too much on superficial amenities and administrative bloat rather than educational substance. Scott White, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bloat

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English blout, blote soft, pliable, from Old Norse blautr soft, weak; akin to Old English blēat miserable

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1677, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bloat was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bloat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloat. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

bloat

verb
ˈblōt
: to swell by filling with or as if with water or air : puff up

Medical Definition

bloat

1 of 2 transitive verb
: to make turgid:
a
: to produce edema in
b
: to cause or result in accumulation of gas in the digestive tract of
cucumbers sometimes bloat me
c
: to cause abdominal distension in

intransitive verb

: to become turgid

bloat

2 of 2 noun
1
: a digestive disturbance of ruminant animals and especially cattle marked by accumulation of gas in one or more stomach compartments
2
a
: a condition of large dogs marked by distension and usually life-threatening rotation of the stomach
b
: any flatulent digestive disturbance of domestic animals

More from Merriam-Webster on bloat

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