bulimia

noun

bu·​lim·​ia bü-ˈlē-mē-ə  byü-  -ˈli- 

1

: 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

2

: an abnormal and constant craving for food

bulimic

bü-ˈlē-mik 

byü-, 

-ˈli- 

adjective or noun

Examples of bulimia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s one of the many things that surprised me about writing about bulimia. —Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 7 June 2026

For example, veterans have bulimia at rates about three times higher than civilians. —Paula Chesley, STAT, 3 June 2026

Providers said some patients with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders are taking GLP-1 drugs. —Christopher Rowland, Washington Post, 23 May 2026

In dealing with the serious topic of bulimia, Early was careful never to make the eating disorder the joke. —Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

bulimia

noun

bu·​lim·​ia bü-ˈlē-mē-ə  byü- 

: a serious eating disorder mainly of young women that is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by intentional vomiting or laxative abuse

bulimic

-ˈlē-mik 

adjective

Medical Definition

bulimia

noun

bu·​lim·​ia byü-ˈlim-ē-ə  bü-  -ˈlē-mē- 

variants also boulimia

bü- 

1

: an abnormal and constant craving for food

called also hyperorexia

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