Bulimia noun - Definition, pronunciation, and examples from Oxford Learner’s Dictionary

Definition

Bulimia (noun):
A serious eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Pronunciation

/buːˈlɪmiə/ (BrE)
/bjʊˈliːmiə/ (NAmE)

Part of Speech

Noun (uncountable)

Meaning and Usage

Bulimia involves consuming large amounts of food in a short period (bingeing), followed by purging to avoid gaining weight. The condition often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and loss of control. It is associated with distorted body image and frequently coexists with other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

Synonyms

Binge-eating disorder (related condition, though without purging)
Eating disorder (general category)

Example Sentence

She was diagnosed with bulimia after years of disordered eating habits and emotional distress.

Grammar Notes

Used without an article when referring to the disorder:

“She suffers from bulimia.” Not commonly used in plural form.

Author’s Summary:
Bulimia is an eating disorder marked by recurrent bingeing and purging driven by fear of weight gain and distorted body perception.

Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — 2025-11-22