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.
Big, waxy flowers called lobster claws protruded from thick stalks. Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026 Team Fluff's Twilight Barkle, a special needs dog with a protruding forehead from Hearts & Bones Rescue in Dallas, scored the game's final touchdown. Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2026 Avoid areas of ice with protruding debris like logs or brush. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 4 Feb. 2026 City officials in Reedley first raised concerns in December 2022 after a code enforcement officer noticed a green garden hose protruding from the warehouse. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on protrude

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