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

The bacteria can also infect the nerves of the eyes, as well as the ones that control the legs and bladder. —Brenda Goodman, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024

In more recent years he was treated for bladder cancer and underwent back surgery. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024

Those include bladder infections or infections affecting the ears, nose and throat. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024

In this stage, the cancer has spread to other organs such as the rectum (lowest part of the large intestine), bladder, lymph nodes, or lungs. —Heidi Cope, Health, 20 Oct. 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