bulimia

noun

bu·​lim·​ia bü-ˈlē-mē-ə How to pronounce bulimia (audio) byü- How to pronounce bulimia (audio) -ˈli- How to pronounce bulimia (audio)
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 How to pronounce bulimia (audio)
byü-
-ˈli- How to pronounce bulimia (audio)
adjective or noun

Examples of bulimia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The new terms of service also ban content that depicts hate or self-harm, including anorexia and bulimia. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025 Eating disorders: One small study of 12 adults with anorexia and bulimia found that inositol supplements improved symptoms after three months. — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025 These include anorexia nervosa as the most common one, followed by bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, pica, rumination, and two categories that include a wider range of less common or less studied disordered eating behaviors. — Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025 Other positive health effects included lower risks of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. — Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulimia

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bulimia was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

-bulic
bulimia
Bulimidae
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bulimia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulimia. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

bulimia

noun
bu·​lim·​ia bü-ˈlē-mē-ə How to pronounce bulimia (audio) byü- How to pronounce bulimia (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce bulimia (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

bulimia

noun
bu·​lim·​ia byü-ˈlim-ē-ə How to pronounce bulimia (audio) bü- How to pronounce bulimia (audio) -ˈlē-mē- How to pronounce bulimia (audio)
variants also boulimia
bü- How to pronounce bulimia (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on bulimia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bulimia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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