bulimia

noun

bu·​lim·​ia bü-ˈlē-mē-ə  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

bulimic

bü-ˈlē-mik 

byü-

-ˈli- 

adjective or noun

Examples of bulimia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Behind the scenes, the schedule was strenuous, and Scherzinger, under pressure to maintain a certain weight, developed bulimia. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2024

Trigger warning: This article contains themes of bulimia and binge-eating. —Tanyel Mustafa, refinery29.com, 23 Feb. 2024

If anorexia and bulimia are about punishment, dessert − the spirit of dessert, not just the item on the plate − is the opposite. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2024

The pressure to reach perfection led Stoner to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, exercise bulimia, and binge-eating disorder. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2024

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

Kids Definition

bulimia

noun

bu·​lim·​ia bü-ˈlē-mē-ə  byü- 

: 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 

adjective

Medical Definition

bulimia

noun

bu·​lim·​ia byü-ˈlim-ē-ə  bü-  -ˈlē-mē- 

variants also boulimia

bü- 

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