bladder

noun

blad·​der ˈbla-dər How to pronounce bladder (audio)
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 How to pronounce bladder (audio)
adjective

Examples of bladder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His family said in a statement on social media that the cause was bladder cancer. — Clay Risen, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025 Golf legend John Daly revealed his bladder cancer has been in remission for four years. — Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 4 Mar. 2025 Compression is courtesy of a set of inflatable bladders that produce a mild, rolling massage over the eyes and a stronger one at the temples. — David Szondy, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2025 Endometriosis is a condition when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside the uterus, such as in the bowels, bladder, and pelvic area.1 The most common symptoms of endometriosis are severe and painful cramps, pelvic pain, and irregular periods. — Heidi Cope, Health, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bladder

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bladder was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing bladder

Rhymes for bladder

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Browse Nearby Words

bladder
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Cite this Entry

“Bladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bladder. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

bladder

noun
blad·​der ˈblad-ər How to pronounce bladder (audio)
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 How to pronounce bladder (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

bladder

noun
blad·​der ˈblad-ər How to pronounce bladder (audio)
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

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