C1 verb Neutral

bulge

/bʌldʒ/

To swell or protrude outward beyond the normal surface, typically due to internal pressure or being overfilled. In a broader sense, it can describe a sudden, temporary increase in volume, quantity, or statistical data within a specific segment.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The backpack began to bulge as he stuffed the last of his heavy textbooks inside.

The backpack began to bulge as he stuffed the last of his heavy textbooks inside.

2

Structural engineers noted that the retaining wall had begun to bulge outward, indicating a potential for collapse.

Structural engineers noted that the retaining wall had begun to bulge outward, indicating a potential for collapse.

3

Look at his arms! His muscles are bulging after just a month at the gym.

Look at his arms! His muscles are bulging after just a month at the gym.

Word Family

Noun
bulge
Verb
bulge
Adjective
bulging
Related
protuberance
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Bull' (Bul-) hitting a wall so hard that the wall 'bulges' out on the other side.

Quick Quiz

The suitcase began to ___ because she had packed too many clothes for the trip.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bulge

Examples

1

The backpack began to bulge as he stuffed the last of his heavy textbooks inside.

everyday

The backpack began to bulge as he stuffed the last of his heavy textbooks inside.

2

Structural engineers noted that the retaining wall had begun to bulge outward, indicating a potential for collapse.

formal

Structural engineers noted that the retaining wall had begun to bulge outward, indicating a potential for collapse.

3

Look at his arms! His muscles are bulging after just a month at the gym.

informal

Look at his arms! His muscles are bulging after just a month at the gym.

4

The demographic data shows a specific bulge in the population graph representing the post-war generation.

academic

The demographic data shows a specific bulge in the population graph representing the post-war generation.

5

Warehouse costs rose significantly as inventory levels started to bulge during the off-season.

business

Warehouse costs rose significantly as inventory levels started to bulge during the off-season.

Word Family

Noun
bulge
Verb
bulge
Adjective
bulging
Related
protuberance

Common Collocations

bulge with to be overfilled with something
bulge outward to swell toward the outside
eyes bulge eyes widening significantly (usually in shock)
pockets bulge pockets being full and misshapen
demographic bulge a temporary increase in a specific age group

Common Phrases

bulging at the seams

extremely full to the point of breaking

eyes bulging out of one's head

a look of extreme surprise or anger

the middle-age bulge

weight gain around the waist during middle age

Often Confused With

bulge vs billow

Billow refers to moving or swelling out like a wave or a sail in the wind, whereas bulge refers to a static physical protrusion.

bulge vs bloat

Bloat usually refers to swelling caused by fluid or gas and often carries a negative, unhealthy connotation.

📝

Usage Notes

While often used to describe physical objects, 'bulge' is highly effective in academic writing to describe anomalies or spikes in statistical charts, particularly in demographics and economics.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'bulge' to describe any kind of increase, but it must involve a physical or metaphorical 'swelling' or 'protrusion' from a normal line or surface.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Bull' (Bul-) hitting a wall so hard that the wall 'bulges' out on the other side.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French 'bouge' meaning 'leather bag', which originally comes from the Latin 'bulga'.

Grammar Patterns

Intransitive verb: It often stands alone or is followed by an adverbial of direction (e.g., 'bulge outward'). Followed by the preposition 'with' when describing the contents causing the swell. Present participle 'bulging' is frequently used as an attributive adjective.
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Cultural Context

In English-speaking countries, 'the bulge' is often used in social commentary to refer to the 'Baby Boomer' generation's impact on social services as they age.

Quick Quiz

The suitcase began to ___ because she had packed too many clothes for the trip.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bulge

Related Words

pronumerism

C1

To represent or replace numerical values with symbols or letters in an algebraic manner. It involves the systematic practice of using variables (pronumerals) to express mathematical relationships or abstract concepts.

anpatable

C1

A noun referring to a state of logical impasse or a situation where no clear path or resolution exists. It is typically used in philosophical or high-level academic discussions to describe a conceptual dead end that prevents further progress.

unicenty

C1

To merge several distinct elements, processes, or entities into a single, central point of focus or control. It is often used to describe the strategic consolidation of disparate parts into a unified core system.

homoducty

C1

Describing a system or biological structure characterized by having uniform, identical channels or conducting pathways. This term is used to identify a state where all leading vessels or conduits share the same size, direction, or functional capacity.

circumvolvible

C1

A rare term referring to an object or property that is capable of being rolled, turned, or revolved around a central axis. In technical contexts, it describes the physical capacity for complete rotation or orbital movement.

superdocation

C1

Pertaining to the act or state of providing excessive, superior, or redundant documentation and instruction. It describes a process or document that contains significantly more detail than is standard or strictly necessary for clarity.

redynism

C1

To systematically revitalize and inject new energy into a stagnant system, organization, or process. It involves transitioning from a state of inertia to one of active, fluid, and high-performance operation through targeted reforms.

hyperpugous

C1

A rare anatomical term referring to the state or physical condition of having exceptionally large or prominent buttocks. It is primarily found in specialized biological, anthropological, or older literary texts to describe extreme physical proportions.

transcivess

C1

Describing a state of identity or social involvement that transcends national boundaries and traditional civic constraints. It is typically used in sociological and political contexts to refer to individuals or entities that function across multiple sovereign territories simultaneously.

transhospdom

C1

The transitional state or process of a patient moving from a clinical hospital environment back to their domestic or home setting. It encompasses the logistical, psychological, and medical adjustments required to bridge the gap between institutional care and independent living.

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