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

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

Symptoms of bulimia include: Recurrent episodes of binge eating Lack of control over eating behavior Vomiting Laxative misuse Fasting Excessive exercise Polyphagia alone is not diagnostic of a specific condition but rather a clue that there may be an underlying medical issue. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 5 Dec. 2024

Some eating disorders such as orthorexia (a fixation on healthy foods) or exercise bulimia (an impulse to overexercise after eating) might even be perceived as perfectly healthy habits. —Ella Cerón, Allure, 6 Dec. 2024

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