bulimia

noun

bu·lim·ia | \ bü-ˈlē-mē-ə

, byü-, -ˈli-

Definition of bulimia

1 : an abnormal and constant craving for food

2 : a serious eating disorder that occurs chiefly in females, is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative or diuretic abuse, and is often accompanied by guilt and depression

— called also bulimia nervosa

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Diana suffered from bulimia, and Victoria has spoken honestly in the past about her struggles with anorexia, and her battles with drug and alcohol addiction. — Tamara Abraham, Harper's BAZAAR, "Lady Kitty Spencer Finally Steps Into the Spotlight," 19 Mar. 2019 Over the next few years, Jennette dealt with both anorexia and bulimia, noting that she was never confronted by anyone in the entertainment industry about her disordered eating. — De Elizabeth, Teen Vogue, ""iCarly" Actor Jennette McCurdy Writes Essay About Dealing With an Eating Disorder," 9 Mar. 2019 This is important, even radical, not just because of the eating disorder that overtook me from ages 11 to 21; the cocktail of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, over-exercising, diet pill abuse, and more. — Caroline Rothstein, Marie Claire, "How I Came to Love My Body—a Decade After My Eating Disorder," 27 Feb. 2018 Their anorexia eventually transitioned into bulimia. — Brittany Risher, SELF, "10 People Who Have Dealt With Eating Disorders Share What Recovery Looks Like for Them," 16 Nov. 2018 Like other social contagions, such as cutting and bulimia, ROGD overwhelmingly afflicts girls. — Abigail Shrier, WSJ, "When Your Daughter Defies Biology," 6 Jan. 2019 Since then, she's continued to speak candidly about her experiences with bulimia, as well as her recent decision to stop dieting once and for all. — Andrea Park, Glamour, "Camila Mendes Says Seeking Help for Her Bulimia 'Changed My Life'," 11 Oct. 2018 In 2011, Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning, her body weakened from years of bulimia and past heroin addiction. — Bridget Read, Vogue, "Amy Winehouse Is Finally Free in a New Book of Photographs," 10 Aug. 2018 Demi was also diagnosed with addiction, bulimia, and cutting. — Brittney Mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "12 Celebrities Who Talk About Mental Health," 10 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bulimia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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1 Apr 2019

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The first known use of bulimia was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for bulimia

bulimia

noun

English Language Learners Definition of bulimia

: a serious physical and emotional illness in which people and especially young women eat large amounts of food and then cause themselves to vomit in order to not gain weight

See the full definition for bulimia in the English Language Learners Dictionary

bulimia

noun

bu·lim·ia | \ byü-ˈlim-ē-ə

, bü-

, -ˈlē-mē-

variants: also boulimia \ bü-