bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈbla-dər 

1

a

: a membranous sac in animals that serves as the receptacle of a liquid or contains gas

especially : urinary bladder

b

: a gas- or air-filled vesicle in certain algae and aquatic plants (such as rockweed) : air bladder sense b

2

: something (such as the rubber bag inside a football) resembling a bladder

bladderlike

ˈbla-dər-līk 

adjective

Examples of bladder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Swelling that moves up your arms or legs A swollen area that is painful or warm to the touch Rapid weight gain Inability to empty your bladder To diagnose water retention, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam by gently pressing the affected area for 15 seconds. —Laura Schober, Health, 2 Oct. 2024

With the urinary system, spinal cord compression can cause difficulty beginning urination, a weak urine stream, or difficulty fully emptying the bladder. —Julie Scott, Msn, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024

Severe cases in teens and adults can cause weight loss, loss of bladder control, passing out and rib fractures from severe coughing. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2024

People who are routinely exposed to higher levels of arsenic have a greater risk of developing cancers of the skin, lung, and bladder, as well as a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, Kupier explained. —Korin Miller, Health, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English blǣdre; akin to Old High German blātara bladder, Old English blāwan to blow

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing bladder

• bladder kelp
• giant bladder kelp
• urinary bladder

Kids Definition

bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈblad-ər 

1

: a pouch in an animal in which a liquid or gas is stored

especially : one into which urine passes from the kidneys and is stored temporarily until discharged by way of the urethra

2

: something resembling a bladder

especially : a bag or container that can be blown up with air

bladderlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

Medical Definition

bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈblad-ər 

1

: a membranous sac in animals that serves as the receptacle of a liquid or contains gas

especially : urinary bladder

2

: a vesicle or pouch forming part of an animal body

the bladder of a tapeworm larva