bunion

noun

bun·​ion ˈbən-yən 

: 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

Examples of bunion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Altra running shoes shoes are known for their especially roomy forefoots, which lets your toes spread naturally (a godsend for anyone with bunions, hammer toes, or neuromas). —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 1 May 2025

Best Overall: Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal Birkenstock Birkenstock Birkenstock Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal $175 Nordstrom $175 Free People $175 $96 Birkenstock SELF’s senior commerce editor has wide feet as well as bunions. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025

My mother grudgingly acknowledges that the fluoroscope didn’t help her bunions in the least. —IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2020

Tummy tucks and bunion surgery In phase 3 clinical trials by the drugmaker, researchers looked at how well the drug worked after surgery. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of bunny swelling

First Known Use

circa 1718, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bunion

• union
• antiunion
• communion
• disunion
• nonunion

Kids Definition

bunion

noun

bun·​ion ˈbən-yən 

: an inflamed swelling on the first joint of the big toe

Medical Definition

bunion

noun

bun·​ion ˈbən-yən 

: 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