bunion

noun bun·ion \ ˈbən-yən \

|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

Definition of bunion

: an inflamed swelling of the small fluid-filled sac on the first joint of the big toe accompanied by enlargement and protrusion of the joint

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See bunion defined for kids

Recent Examples of bunion from the Web

Some of Menz’s research on older adults shows that too-short or too-narrow shoes can lead to foot deformities and increased risk for weakness and falls, as well as growths like bunions, corns and calluses.

— markham heid, Time, "These Are the Healthiest Shoes To Wear, According to Scientists," 30 May 2018
High heels generally shift your weight forward to the balls of your feet, putting entirely too much pressure on your muscles and joints and potentially causing pain, along with issues like bunions and hammertoes over time.

— nina bahadur, SELF, "8 Shoe Mistakes That Could Definitely Be Causing Your Foot Pain," 18 Apr. 2018
So can having bunions or hammertoes, or having a condition like rheumatoid arthritis that can cause joints to swell.

— nina bahadur, SELF, "8 Shoe Mistakes That Could Definitely Be Causing Your Foot Pain," 18 Apr. 2018
The PerfectFit Pointe inserts are made from a moldable putty that fills in gaps created by uneven toes and protects pressure points around bunions and corns.

— claire martin, New York Times, "Bringing Ballet Pros Relief, Down to the Tips of Their Toes," 12 Jan. 2018
Nor are bum knees, bunions, neuropathy and other ailments.

— liz willen, BostonGlobe.com, "Forever young on a Western road trip," 5 Apr. 2018
Things to search for: vaginal delivery, C-section, tympanostomy (ear tubes), bunion, MRI, X-ray, colonoscopy, CAT scan, ultrasound, cataract removal, arthroscopy, endoscopy, blood transfusion, hernia repair.

— jeanne pinder, Philly.com, "What's in our database? Prices, prices and more prices," 20 Feb. 2018
Common issues were nerve damage, bunions, tumors and problems with hardware from past surgeries, doctors say — all issues that can affect how feet fit and feel in a pair of shoes.

— rebecca lurye, courant.com, "Winter Boot Party Outfits The Homeless During First Snowstorm," 10 Dec. 2017
What to do: To prevent or ease pain caused by bunions and hammertoes, choose shoes with a round, deep toe box, Andersen says.

— consumer reports, Washington Post, "Some common causes for aching feet and how to treat them," 21 Oct. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of bunion

probably alteration of bunny swelling

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1718

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

BUNION Defined for English Language Learners

bunion

noun

Definition of bunion for English Language Learners

: a painful swelling on the side of the big toe

BUNION Defined for Kids

bunion

noun bun·ion \ ˈbən-yən \

Definition of bunion for Students

: a sore reddened swelling of the first joint of a big toe

Medical Dictionary

bunion

noun bun·ion \ ˈbən-yən \

medical Definition of bunion

: an inflamed swelling of the small fluid-filled sac on the first joint of the big toe accompanied by enlargement and protrusion of the joint — compare hallux valgus