bulrush

noun

bul·​rush ˈbu̇l-ˌrəsh How to pronounce bulrush (audio)
variants or less commonly bullrush
: any of several large rushes or sedges growing in wetlands: such as
a
: any of various annual or perennial sedges (genera Scirpus and Schoenoplectus) that bear solitary or much-clustered spikelets containing perfect flowers with a perianth of six bristles
b
British : either of two cattails (Typha latifolia and T. angustifolia)
c
: papyrus

Examples of bulrush 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.
Since November, we too have been forced to watch and to wait in the bulrushes with Miriam, as if from a distance, using the time to gain perspective and to gather our wits as the current of history swirls around us. — Rev. Steven R. Jungkeit, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2025 That often means wading into the water where crews hand plant the bulrush to inspect the work. — Patrick Farrell, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bulrysche

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bulrush was in the 15th century

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

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Kids Definition

bulrush

noun
bul·​rush ˈbu̇l-ˌrəsh How to pronounce bulrush (audio)
: any of several large sedges or rushes growing in wet land or water

More from Merriam-Webster on bulrush

Nglish: Translation of bulrush for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bulrush

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