bullet

noun, often attributive bul·let \ ˈbu̇-lət also ˈbə- \

|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

Examples: bullet in a Sentence

Definition of bullet

1 : a round or elongated missile (as of lead) to be fired from a firearm; broadly : cartridge 1a

2 a : something resembling a bullet (as in curved form)

b : a large dot placed in printed matter to call attention to a particular passage

3 : a very fast and accurately thrown or hit object (such as a ball or puck)

—

bulleted

play \-lə-təd\ adjective

See bullet defined for English-language learners

See bullet defined for kids

Examples of bullet in a Sentence

He was killed by an assassin's bullet.
Bullets were used to separate each item.
The quarterback threw a bullet to the receiver.

Recent Examples of bullet from the Web

Police in Mexico are investigating the murder of an American tourist hit by a stray bullet in Mexico City.

— CBS News, "American woman killed in Mexico after U.S. issues travel warnings," 11 July 2018
Two months earlier, a different fire station, Engine Co. 13 at 2901 N. 30th St., was battered by a half-dozen bullets.

— ahmed elbenni, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee Fire Department station struck by errant gunfire twice in two weeks," 10 July 2018
The bar later offered 24-year-old Thomas Reddington, who was hit by the bullet in the leg, complimentary drinks for life.

— don sweeney, sacbee, "Dancing FBI agent who shot man after backflip at Denver bar gets his gun back," 10 July 2018
An American woman celebrating her first wedding anniversary was shot and killed in a wealthy Mexico City neighborhood by a stray bullet fired by a gunman on a motorcycle, officials said.

— robert gearty, Fox News, "Stray shot kills California woman in Mexico City for wedding anniversary," 10 July 2018
One of the campers and the unidentified man began to struggle over the possession of the firearm, and the unidentified man was struck and killed by a bullet from the firearm.

— christina lords, idahostatesman, "Man shot and killed after struggle over firearm at Owyhee River campsite," 10 July 2018
Small said the man was likely hit by a stray bullet because he down the street from where the first victim was shot.

— robert moran, Philly.com, "2 dead in separate Philly shootings," 5 July 2018
The two nearly complete remains likely belonged to Union soldiers who were felled by Confederate bullets.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Grim look at Civil War surgery unearthed by new pit of limbs, bodies," 21 June 2018
Alexandrea was struck in the chest by a bullet that may have gone through her father's body, her aunt Andrea Thompson said at the time.

— cameron knight, Cincinnati.com, "Woman indicted killing of 9-year-old Alexandrea 'Sissy' Thompson," 21 June 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of bullet

Middle French boulette small ball & boulet missile, diminutives of boule ball — more at bowl

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1579

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

bullet Synonyms

Synonyms

ball, pellet;

Near Antonyms

blank;

Financial Definition of BULLET

bullet

noun

What It Is

Bullet is usually short for bullet payment, which is typically a large payment made near the end of a loan that does not amortize over time.

How It Works

Unlike a loan whose total cost (interest and principal) is amortized – that is, paid incrementally during the life of the loan -- a bullet loan's principal is paid in one sum at the end of the term. That sum is called the bullet. Sometimes the interest is collected as part of the bullet payment as well, though in many cases the loan is interest-only during the term of the loan with only the outstanding principal due at the end.

Suppose someone takes out a loan for $1,000 that must be repaid in one year at an interest rate of 10% compounded annually. If the loan has a bullet, this person would have to pay $1,100 ($1,000 in principal plus $100 in interest) in one payment at the end of one year.

Why It Matters

Loans with bullets have the advantage of not having to immediately begin paying back the loan. This can be preferable for companies that do not anticipate having enough cash flow in the near future. The borrower must, however, be prepared to repay the principal and interest in its entirety at the end of the term.

Source: Investing Answers

BULLET Defined for English Language Learners

bullet

noun

Definition of bullet for English Language Learners

: a small piece of metal or another material that is shot out of a gun
: a large dot in a document, book, etc., that brings attention to separate pieces of information in a list
sports : a hit or thrown ball or puck that is moving very fast