plural bulges
1
: a rounded lump on the surface of something
"What's in there?" he asked, pointing to the large bulge in my purse.
I'm exercising to get rid of this bulge around my middle.
2
: a sudden increase
a population bulge
bulges; bulged; bulging
1
: to stick out in a rounded lump
His face turned white and his eyes bulged.
middle-aged people bulging at the waist/middle
—often + outHer eyes bulged out (of her head).
2
: to be completely filled with something
Their bags bulged with books and papers.
The squirrel's cheeks were bulging with nuts.
a notebook bulging with ideas
Cite this Entry
“Bulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/bulge. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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