bun

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈbən 

1

: a sweet or plain small bread

especially : a round roll

2

: a knot of hair shaped like a bun

3

buns plural : buttocks

bun

2 of 2

noun (2)

: load sense 4

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• backside
• behind
• booty [slang]
• bootie
• bottom
• breech
• bum
• butt
• buttocks
• caboose
• can
• cheeks
• derriere
• derrière
• duff
• fanny
• fundament
• hams
• haunches
• heinie [slang]
• hunkers
• keister [slang]
• keester
• nates
• posterior
• rear
• rear end
• rump
• seat
• tail
• tail end
• tush [slang]

Examples of bun in a Sentence

Noun (1)

an exercise to firm your buns

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Meester wore a sequined light green gown with a plunging neckline, accessorized with a diamond necklace and matching bracelet, with her hair pulled back in a messy bun. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2025

Hairdos were also polished—Zoe Kravitz wore a slicked bun which, much like their names, matched Zoe Saldana. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 6 Jan. 2025

The two-time Grammy winner kept her blonde hair in a sleek bun with her Audrey Hepburn-esque baby bangs swept to the side. —Charna Flam, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025

The menu runs the gamut from burgers and chicken tenders to more elevated dishes like crab cakes, bao buns and chicken piccata. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English bunne

Noun (2)

perhaps from bun entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1898, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bun

• have a bun in the oven
• sticky bun

Kids Definition

bun

noun

ˈbən

1

: a sweet or plain small bread

especially : a round roll

2

: a knot of hair shaped like a bun

Medical Definition

BUN

noun

ˌbē-ˌyü-ˈen 

: the concentration of nitrogen in the form of urea in the blood