bulimia
noun
bu·lim·ia
bü-ˈlē-mē-ə 
byü-
-ˈli-
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
Examples of bulimia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During her struggle with bulimia, Keaton recalled eating 20,000 calories before forcing herself to vomit.
—
Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 14 Oct. 2025
In addition, eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder often occur alongside addictive eating.
—Claire Wilcox, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for bulimia
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Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 14 Oct. 2025
In addition, eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder often occur alongside addictive eating.
—Claire Wilcox, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for bulimia
Cite this Entry
“Bulimia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulimia. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bulimia
noun
bu·lim·ia
bü-ˈlē-mē-ə
byü-
byü-
: a serious eating disorder mainly of young women that is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by intentional vomiting or laxative abuse
Medical Definition
bulimia
noun
bu·lim·ia
byü-ˈlim-ē-ə
bü-
-ˈlē-mē-
bü-
-ˈlē-mē-
variants
also boulimia
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
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