protrude

verb

pro·​trude prō-ˈtrüd How to pronounce protrude (audio)
protruded; protruding
Synonyms of protrudenext

intransitive verb

: to jut out from the surrounding surface or context
a handkerchief protruding from his breast pocket

transitive verb

1
: to cause to project
2
archaic : to thrust forward
protrusible adjective

Did you know?

Since trudere means "to thrust" in Latin, protrude means basically "to thrust forward". If your neighbors' patio protrudes over your property boundary, you may want to discuss it with them. A protruding disc in your spine may have to be operated on sooner or later; superficial protrusions, such as corns or bunions, tend to be less serious than more deeply rooted ones.

Examples of protrude in a Sentence

His lower jaw protrudes slightly. A handkerchief protruded from his shirt pocket.
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.
The abdomen may significantly protrude, pushing the diaphragm upward and making breathing more difficult. Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026 Rugged slabs of rock speckled with glaciers and snowfields protrude through the clouds and overlook the entry to Grand Teton National Park. Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 The skinny braids wrapped the bottom of the bun, while the thicker braids dressed the top, forming a cylinder shape that protruded from the crown of her head. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 The apartment's one window, protruding from the zinc roof, faces west, putting it in direct sun from midday to dusk. ABC News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for protrude

Word History

Etymology

Latin protrudere, from pro- + trudere to thrust — more at threat

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of protrude was in 1620

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protrude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protrude. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

protrude

verb
pro·​trude prō-ˈtrüd How to pronounce protrude (audio)
protruded; protruding
: to stick out or cause to stick out

Medical Definition

protrude

verb
pro·​trude prō-ˈtrüd How to pronounce protrude (audio)
protruded; protruding

transitive verb

: to cause to project
the mentalis raises and protrudes the lower lipGray's Anatomy

intransitive verb

: to jut out from the surrounding surface

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