bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈbla-dər 

1

a

: a membranous sac in animals that serves as the receptacle of a liquid or contains gas

especially : urinary bladder

b

: a gas- or air-filled vesicle in certain algae and aquatic plants (such as rockweed) : air bladder sense b

2

: something (such as the rubber bag inside a football) resembling a bladder

bladderlike

ˈbla-dər-līk 

adjective

Examples of bladder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plus, there are critical nerves that run alongside the prostate and are in charge of the sphincter muscle, which closes the bladder and keeps urine contained. —Angela Haupt, Time, 27 June 2025

When Johnson underwent anesthesia for a gall bladder operation, Moyers was given responsibility to decide whether then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey should take over the president’s powers in the event of a crisis. —Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025

Imaging tests: Such as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scans, help visualize your kidneys, bladder, and other internal structures and organs to detect structural differences, kidney stones, or other abnormalities. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 June 2025

This brain disorder is caused by the accumulation of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, leading to a host of cognitive and physical problems, especially gait, coordination, and bladder control issues. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English blǣdre; akin to Old High German blātara bladder, Old English blāwan to blow

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing bladder

• bladder kelp
• giant bladder kelp
• urinary bladder

Rhymes for bladder

• adder
• ladder
• madder
• sadder
• gallbladder
• stepladder

Kids Definition

bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈblad-ər 

1

: a pouch in an animal in which a liquid or gas is stored

especially : one into which urine passes from the kidneys and is stored temporarily until discharged by way of the urethra

2

: something resembling a bladder

especially : a bag or container that can be blown up with air

bladderlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

Medical Definition

bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈblad-ər 

1

: a membranous sac in animals that serves as the receptacle of a liquid or contains gas

especially : urinary bladder

2

: a vesicle or pouch forming part of an animal body

the bladder of a tapeworm larva