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 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.
Lesh was a prostate and bladder cancer survivor and had a liver transplant in 1998 due to a hepatitis C infection and years of heavy drinking. Brie Stimson, Fox News, 25 Oct. 2024 Drink plenty of water while limiting coffee, alcohol, and other fluids that irritate the bladder. Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024 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 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

Dictionary Entries Near bladder

Cite this Entry

“Bladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bladder. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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 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

More from Merriam-Webster on bladder

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