Bun: meaning, definitions and examples

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bun

 

[ bสŒn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

food

A small, typically round bread roll. Buns can be sweet or savory and are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

Synonyms

bread, pastry, roll.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bun

Use 'bun' again when referring to sweet or savory small baked goods often enjoyed as a snack.

  • She enjoyed a cinnamon bun with her coffee.
roll

Use 'roll' when referring to small, usually round or oblong pieces of bread, often served as a side dish at meals.

  • The soup was served with a warm roll on the side.
bread

Use 'bread' when referring to the general term for the baked food made from flour and water. This can be in the form of loaves, slices, etc.

  • I need to buy a loaf of bread for breakfast.
pastry

Use 'pastry' when talking about baked goods made from dough that is often sweet and flaky, such as croissants, danishes, etc.

  • He bought a variety of pastries for the breakfast meeting.

Examples of usage

  • I love eating a warm cinnamon bun with my morning coffee.
  • She ordered a burger with a side of fries and a soft bun.
Context #2 | Noun

hairstyle

A hairstyle where the hair is pulled back and twisted or plaited into a round shape at the back of the head.

Synonyms

chignon, knot, updo.

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Word Description / Examples
bun

Can also refer to a type of bread roll. This is usually found in culinary or casual eating contexts.

  • I love having a warm cinnamon bun for breakfast.
  • He prepared burgers with freshly baked buns.
chignon

Best used in formal or elegant contexts when describing a sophisticated updo where the hair is twisted or rolled at the nape of the neck. This term is suitable for weddings, galas, and other formal events.

  • The bride wore a graceful chignon adorned with delicate flowers.
  • For the gala, she decided on an elegant chignon to complement her evening gown.
updo

A general term for any hairstyle where the hair is pulled up and away from the face and neck. This term is versatile and can be used for both casual and formal styles.

  • She wore an intricate updo for the prom night.
  • During summer, she likes to keep her hair in a simple updo to stay cool.
knot

Often refers to a more informal or messy bun where the hair is twisted and secured in a knot-like fashion. It can also describe a small, purposeful knot at the back of the head for a neat style.

  • After waking up late, she quickly threw her hair into a messy knot.
  • For the beach, she preferred a low knot to keep her hair out of her face.

Examples of usage

  • She wore her hair in a messy bun for the casual event.
  • The ballerina secured her bun with bobby pins before the performance.
Context #3 | Noun

slang

A term of endearment used to refer to someone, especially a child or loved one.

Synonyms

darling, honey, sweetheart.

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Word Description / Examples
bun

A 'bun' generally refers to a small, round bread roll or hairstyle. It is not commonly used as a term of endearment in English.

  • She tied her hair in a neat bun
  • He bought a cinnamon bun from the bakery
sweetheart

This word is used to express deep affection or endearment, often directed at significant others, close friends, or children. It has a very loving and kind connotation.

  • Sweetheart, you did an amazing job
  • Goodnight, sweetheart, sleep well
darling

A 'darling' is an affectionate term often used to show deep care or love, typically with a romantic partner, but also with close family members or very dear friends.

  • Darling, could you pass me the salt? My darling daughter just started school
honey

Commonly used in romantic relationships or between close family members, 'honey' signifies affection and warmth. It might also be used in a friendly, though sometimes slightly condescending, way.

  • Hey honey, how was your day? Can you help me with this, honey?

Examples of usage

  • Come here, little bun, let me give you a hug.
  • How are you doing today, bun?

Translations

Translations of the word "bun" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเฅ‹เคŸเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Brรถtchen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ roti

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑัƒะปะพั‡ะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ buล‚ka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‘ใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท petit pain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ panecillo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ekmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋นต

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎุจุฒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ houska

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลพemฤพa

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฐๅœ†้ขๅŒ…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลพemlja

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bolla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะพา›ะฐัˆ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bulka

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ panecillo

Etymology

The word 'bun' has a long history dating back to Old French and Middle English. In Old French, 'bun' referred to a bulge or knob, which later evolved to mean a small, round bread roll in Middle English. Over time, 'bun' has come to be associated with various meanings, including hairstyle and slang terms of endearment.

See also: bunion, bunny.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,452, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.