bulimia

noun bu·lim·ia \ bü-ˈlē-mē-ə , byü- , -ˈli- \

|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

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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bulimic

play \-ˈlē-mik, -ˈli-\ adjective or noun

See bulimia defined for English-language learners

See bulimia defined for kids

Recent Examples of bulimia from the Web

Individuals with anorexia, binge eating disorder and bulimia often feel anxious and overwhelmed when surrounded by food.

— juli fraga, chicagotribune.com, "People with eating disorders use apps to navigate supermarket aisles," 21 May 2018
Individuals with anorexia, binge eating disorder and bulimia often feel anxious and overwhelmed when surrounded by food.

— juli fraga, chicagotribune.com, "People with eating disorders use apps to navigate supermarket aisles," 21 May 2018
In 2010, at age 18, the former Disney star entered rehab to seek treatment for substance abuse, depression and bulimia.

— megan mccluskey, Time, "Demi Lovato Says She's 'Not Sober Anymore' in Emotional New Song," 21 June 2018
Individuals with anorexia, binge eating disorder and bulimia often feel anxious and overwhelmed when surrounded by food.

— juli fraga, chicagotribune.com, "People with eating disorders use apps to navigate supermarket aisles," 21 May 2018
Individuals with anorexia, binge eating disorder and bulimia often feel anxious and overwhelmed when surrounded by food.

— juli fraga, Washington Post, "With the help of virtual therapists, people with eating disorders tackle anxiety in grocery stores," 20 May 2018
But unlike fake news, users who share pro-eating disorder content could be suffering from a serious illness like anorexia or bulimia.

— louise matsakis, WIRED, "How Pro-Eating Disorder Posts Evade Filters on Social Media," 13 June 2018
Lovato has been sober for more than five years after seeking treatment for bipolar disorder, bulimia, self-harm and substance abuse, and has continually been candid about her recovery.

— karen mizoguchi, PEOPLE.com, "Did Demi Lovato Leave the Met Gala Early Because of Nicki Minaj?," 9 Mar. 2018
The former Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and professional Muay Thai fighter has been open about her past struggles with anorexia and bulimia.

— anthea levi, Health.com, "This SI Swim Model Shared a Powerful Post About Going From a Size 2 to a Size 8 and Overcoming Her Eating Disorder," 9 May 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.

Origin and Etymology of bulimia

New Latin, from Greek boulimia great hunger, from bou-, augmentative prefix (from bous head of cattle) + limos hunger — more at cow

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

BULIMIA Defined for English Language Learners

bulimia

noun

Definition of bulimia for English Language Learners

: 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