protrude

verb

pro·​trude prō-ˈtrüd How to pronounce protrude (audio)
protruded; protruding
Synonyms of protrudenext

intransitive verb

: to jut out from the surrounding surface or context
a handkerchief protruding from his breast pocket

transitive verb

1
: to cause to project
2
archaic : to thrust forward
protrusible adjective

Did you know?

Since trudere means "to thrust" in Latin, protrude means basically "to thrust forward". If your neighbors' patio protrudes over your property boundary, you may want to discuss it with them. A protruding disc in your spine may have to be operated on sooner or later; superficial protrusions, such as corns or bunions, tend to be less serious than more deeply rooted ones.

Examples of protrude in a Sentence

His lower jaw protrudes slightly. A handkerchief protruded from his shirt pocket.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Under the flaps of his jacket there was a small tear in his T-shirt, directly over his left nipple, which protruded like a knot of purple rope. Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 And in turn, the 867-foot monolith protruding from the surrounding Wyoming prairie like the stump of the world’s largest tree became a big draw for tourists. Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 14 May 2026 Its panoramic views include the 25-metre lap pool below, the hills of Bandol across the sparkling cerulean water, and on the other side of the terrace, the rugged coastline with iconic Eagle Beak rock protruding from the distant horizon. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026 These blooms are known for the long stamens that protrude from the blooming flowers. Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for protrude

Word History

Etymology

Latin protrudere, from pro- + trudere to thrust — more at threat

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of protrude was in 1620

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protrude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protrude. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

protrude

verb
pro·​trude prō-ˈtrüd How to pronounce protrude (audio)
protruded; protruding
: to stick out or cause to stick out

Medical Definition

protrude

verb
pro·​trude prō-ˈtrüd How to pronounce protrude (audio)
protruded; protruding

transitive verb

: to cause to project
the mentalis raises and protrudes the lower lipGray's Anatomy

intransitive verb

: to jut out from the surrounding surface

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