bulimia

noun

bu·​lim·​ia bü-ˈlē-mē-ə  byü-  -ˈli- 

1

: a serious eating disorder that occurs chiefly in females, is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative or diuretic abuse, and is often accompanied by guilt and depression

called also bulimia nervosa

2

: an abnormal and constant craving for food

bulimic

bü-ˈlē-mik 

byü-

-ˈli- 

adjective or noun

Examples of bulimia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The British actress, 31, suffered body dysmorphia, bulimia and social anxiety as a teenager. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025

Comedian John Early’s directorial debut Maddie’s Secret is not a straightforward cautionary tale about bulimia. —Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2025

Long before Trump became commander in chief, eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia, occurring after the age of 13 have been on the list of conditions that disqualify someone from military service. —Noelle Wiehe, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025

They were diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, exercise bulimia, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), and alexithymia (the inability to identify, feel, and express their emotions). —Anna Borges, SELF, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek boulimia great hunger, from bou-, augmentative prefix (from bous head of cattle) + limos hunger — more at cow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

bulimia

noun

bu·​lim·​ia bü-ˈlē-mē-ə  byü- 

: a serious eating disorder mainly of young women that is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by intentional vomiting or laxative abuse

bulimic

-ˈlē-mik 

adjective

Medical Definition

bulimia

noun

bu·​lim·​ia byü-ˈlim-ē-ə  bü-  -ˈlē-mē- 

variants also boulimia

bü- 

1

: an abnormal and constant craving for food

called also hyperorexia

2

: a serious eating disorder that occurs chiefly in females, is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative or diuretic abuse, and is often accompanied by guilt and depression