bull

noun \ ˈbu̇l , ˈbəl \

Definition of bull

1 a : a male bovine; especially : an adult uncastrated male domestic bovine

b : a usually adult male of various large animals (such as elephants, whales, or seals)

2 : one who buys securities or commodities in expectation of a price rise or who acts to effect such a rise — compare bear

3 : one that resembles a bull (as in brawny physique)

4 : bulldog

5 slang : police officer, detective

6 capitalized : taurus

Origin and Etymology of bull

Middle English bule, from Old English bula; akin to Old Norse boli bull

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First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

bull

adjective

Definition of bull

1 a : of or relating to a bull

b : male

a bull calf

c : suggestive of a bull

2 : large of its kind

a bull lathe

First Known Use of bull

13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

bull

verb

Definition of bull

bulled; bulling; bulls

intransitive verb

: to advance forcefully

transitive verb

1 : to act on with violence

2 : force

bulled his way through the crowd

First Known Use of bull

1884

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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bull

noun

Definition of bull

1 : a solemn papal letter sealed with a bulla or with a red-ink imprint of the device on the bulla

2 : edict, decree

Origin and Etymology of bull

Middle English bulle, from Medieval Latin bulla, from Latin, bubble, amulet

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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bull

verb

Definition of bull

bulled; bulling; bulls

transitive verb

slang : to fool especially by fast boastful talk

intransitive verb

slang : to engage in idle and boastful talk

First Known Use of bull

1609

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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bull

noun

Definition of bull

1 : a grotesque blunder in language

2 slang : empty boastful talk

3 slang : nonsense 2

Origin and Etymology of bull

perhaps from obsolete bull to mock

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First Known Use: 1640

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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bull

abbreviation

Definition of bull

bulletin

Other Broadcasting Terms

continuity, dissolve, fade, feed, remote, residual, spike, wipe

Bull

biographical name \ ˈbu̇l \

Definition of Bull

Ole play \ˈō-lə\ Bornemann 1810–1880 Norwegian violinist

Financial Definition of BULL

bull

noun

What It Is

A bull has a positive outlook on an asset class or an entire market. In investing terminology, bull is the opposite of bear.

How It Works

Investors have perceptions and expectations about the securities markets and whether or not the value of specific securities, as well as the market overall, will rise or fall. The bull (or "bullish investor") makes investments based on his or her belief that the market will climb higher or that certain securities will post gains.

The opposite is the bear (or "bearish investor"), who acts upon his or her belief that the market will decline in value or that certain securities will decline in value.

Why It Matters

Market perceptions can affect securities prices depending on how many bulls or bears there are in the market. This is best expressed by the bull/bear ratio. In either case, bulls and bears can impact the direction of market movements as a result of the investments they make.

If you're having difficulties remembering the which animal describes what, just remember: A bull attacks by thrusting his horns in an upward movement, while a bear attacks by swiping his paw in a downward movement. Therefore, if the market goes up, it's a bull market; if the market trends down, it's a bear market.

For more details on the history of these words, read The Quirky And Brutal Origins Of The Terms 'Bear' And 'Bull.'

Source: Investing Answers