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

Jinger shared that her mother Michelle — who has talked about her struggles with bulimia in the past — is the one who helped her. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025

The cycle of binge eating in bulimia nervosa can contribute to polyphagia as individuals may experience intense cravings, overeat during binges, and feel a persistent desire for food due to emotional and psychological factors associated with the disorder. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 5 Dec. 2024

While the demons of addiction were shown, many people, including Winehouse's own brother, believe the years of bulimia also played into Winehouse's death. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 17 May 2024

Lastly, with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia nervosa, soft, light hair may grow on the face and body. —Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 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