bun

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈbən How to pronounce bun (audio)
Synonyms of bunnext
1
: a sweet or plain small bread
especially : a round roll see also sticky bun
2
: a knot of hair shaped like a bun
3
buns plural : buttocks

bun

2 of 2

noun (2)

: load sense 4

Synonyms of bun

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Noun (1)

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Examples of bun in a Sentence

Noun (1) an exercise to firm your buns
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.
Noun
Made with a yellow cake mix and a spiced filling, this dreamy recipe turns honey buns into a special occasion treat. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026 The singer sported geometric studs that stood out, especially since Lipa wore her hair slicked back into a chic bun. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026 Through the years, the singer has remained remarkably loyal to her lengths, whether swept up into a gravity-defying pony, styled into a sleek ballerina bun, or cascading down her back. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 But Jessica insists that Elizabeth doesn’t know the specific brand of hot dogs and buns she’s already acquired, which means that if, for instance, Elizabeth brought Hawaiian buns and chicken sausages, there would be an inconsistency. — Jennifer Kim, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bun

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English bunne

Noun (2)

perhaps from bun entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bun was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing bun

Rhymes for bun

See All Rhymes for bun

Browse Nearby Words

bumwood
bun
buna
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Cite this Entry

“Bun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bun. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bun

noun
ˈbən
1
: a sweet or plain small bread
especially : a round roll
2
: a knot of hair shaped like a bun

Medical Definition

BUN

noun
ˌbē-ˌyü-ˈen How to pronounce BUN (audio)
: the concentration of nitrogen in the form of urea in the blood
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