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Bullet: meaning, definitions and examples

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bullet

 

[ˈbʊlɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

projectile

A small piece of metal, typically rounded and containing gunpowder, that is fired from a gun.

Synonyms

projectile, round, slug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bullet

Commonly used in both everyday and technical conversations to refer to the small metal object shot from firearms.

  • The police recovered the bullet from the scene.
  • He found a bullet casing in the grass.
projectile

Used more often in technical or formal contexts to describe any object that is thrown, dropped, or shot in the air, not limited to firearms.

  • The catapult launched a massive projectile.
  • Scientists studied the projectile's trajectory.
round

Used in military or shooting sports contexts to refer to a unit of ammunition, can include the bullet, casing, powder, and primer.

  • He fired a single round at the target.
  • The soldiers were issued live rounds.
slug

Refers specifically to a type of bullet used in shotguns but can also have a negative connotation in informal speech meaning a lazy person.

  • He loaded a slug into his shotgun.
  • Don't be such a slug; get up and help.

Examples of usage

  • The soldier loaded the bullet into his rifle.
  • Bullets are used in firearms for shooting purposes.
Context #2 | Noun

point form

A small dot or symbol used to mark items in a list.

Synonyms

dot, indicator, marker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bullet

Often used in lists or documentation to denote individual items or points.

  • Please see the bullets in the presentation for key points.
  • Make sure to include at least three bullets in your summary.
dot

Usually refers to a small round mark, often in the context of punctuation, patterns, or visual design.

  • Place a dot at the end of each sentence.
  • The dress was decorated with red and white dots.
marker

Can refer to physical objects used to indicate or highlight something, or can mean a significant point or event.

  • Use a permanent marker to label the boxes.
  • Her graduation was a marker of her academic achievement.
indicator

Used to refer to something that shows or signals a particular condition or trend.

  • The temperature gauge is an indicator of the engine's heat level.
  • High employment rates are a positive economic indicator.

Examples of usage

  • The list was organized with bullet points.
  • Each bullet point represented a different task.
Context #3 | Noun

printing

A large dot at the beginning of a paragraph or section to emphasize its importance.

Synonyms

emphasis, highlight, marker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bullet

Dangerous projectile shot from a gun. Used when discussing firearms, ballistics, or violent incidents.

  • The bullet hit the target.
  • He was injured by a stray bullet.
marker

Physical writing tool used for drawing attention to specific parts of text, often with bright colors. Also used metaphorically to indicate a specific point or goal.

  • Use a marker to underline important sections.
  • The event served as a marker for future progress.
highlight

Used to bring special attention to particular parts of text or information. Often employed in reading, studying, or presenting important details.

  • Please highlight the key terms in the document.
  • The report highlights the company's recent achievements.
emphasis

Indicates extra importance or stress on particular words or parts of text to draw attention. Used in writing or speech to highlight key information.

  • The emphasis in her speech was on the need for education.
  • You should place emphasis on the main argument.

Examples of usage

  • The document had a bullet to highlight the key information.
  • Bullets are often used in formatting text.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the French 'boulette,' meaning 'small ball.'
  • It was originally used to describe small projectiles, which evolved into the modern meaning regarding firearms.

History

  • Bullets have been used since the invention of gunpowder in the 9th century in China.
  • The first true cartridges, which included both the bullet and gunpowder in a single package, were developed in the 19th century.

Technology

  • Modern bullets are often made of lead, but some are coated or made of other materials to reduce lead exposure.
  • The design of bullets has evolved significantly, leading to variations such as hollow points, which expand on impact.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'take a bullet for someone' means to sacrifice oneself for another’s safety, often seen in movies and heroic stories.
  • Bullets are frequently depicted in action films and video games, symbolizing conflict and tension.

Science

  • The speed of a bullet can exceed 1,200 feet per second, demonstrating the power of modern firearms.
  • Ballistics is the science that studies the motion of projectiles, including bullets, and their behavior when fired.

Translations

Translations of the word "bullet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bala

🇮🇳 गोली

🇩🇪 Kugel

🇮🇩 peluru

🇺🇦 куля

🇵🇱 kula

🇯🇵 弾丸 (だんがん)

🇫🇷 balle

🇪🇸 bala

🇹🇷 mermi

🇰🇷 탄환

🇸🇦 رصاصة

🇨🇿 kulka

🇸🇰 guľka

🇨🇳 子弹 (zǐdàn)

🇸🇮 krogla

🇮🇸 kúla

🇰🇿 оқ

🇬🇪 ტყვია (tqvia)

🇦🇿 güllə

🇲🇽 bala

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,473 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.