bull rush

1 of 2

noun (1)

: a direct forceful rush by a defensive player in football
bull-rush
ˈbu̇l-ˌrəsh How to pronounce bull rush (audio)
also ˈbəl-
verb

bulrush

2 of 2

noun (2)

bul·​rush ˈbu̇l-ˌrəsh How to pronounce bulrush (audio)
variants or less commonly bullrush
: any of several large rushes or sedges growing in wetlands: such as
a
: any of various annual or perennial sedges (genera Scirpus and Schoenoplectus) that bear solitary or much-clustered spikelets containing perfect flowers with a perianth of six bristles
b
British : either of two cattails (Typha latifolia and T. angustifolia)
c
: papyrus

Examples of bull rush in a Sentence

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
Rangy with a strong bull rush but not speedy. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026 There’s nothing that can replicate a full speed rep, full speed bull rush. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
Marshes often have more grasslike plants, such as cattails and bulrushes. — Jon Sweetman, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2022 That often means wading into the water where crews hand plant the bulrush to inspect the work. — Patrick Farrell, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for bull rush

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English bulrysche

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1976, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bull rush was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bull rush

See All Rhymes for bull rush

Browse Nearby Words

bull runner
bull rush
bull screen
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bull rush.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bull%20rush. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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