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bullet

n. · v.
US //ˈbʊɫət// UK //bˈʊlɪt// bul·let
  1. 1 ammunition (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a small metal object that is shot from a gun.

    a kinetic projectile, typically made of metal, expelled from a firearm; often used informally to refer to a complete round of ammunition.

    Example

    The police found a single bullet on the ground near the broken window.

    Example

    Forensic investigators recovered a spent bullet from the masonry, which provided critical evidence regarding the calibre of the weapon used in the assault.
  2. 2 list marker (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a small solid circle or symbol used to mark items in a list.

    a typographical symbol, often a solid circle, used to introduce items in a list to improve readability.

    Example

    Use a bullet for each new point to make your notes easier to read.

    Example

    The presentation was cluttered with excessive text, so the consultant recommended using bullets to highlight the primary objectives more effectively.
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  1. 3 finance (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Law

    a large final payment made at the end of a loan.

    a large, scheduled lump-sum repayment of the principal of a loan, typically occurring at the end of the term.

    Example

    The company struggled to pay the bullet at the end of the five-year loan.

    Example

    The borrower opted for a bullet repayment structure to keep monthly interest costs low, despite the risk of a significant final obligation.
    • balloon payment
  2. 4 prison time (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang

    one year of time spent in prison.

    a slang term representing a one-year prison sentence.

    Example

    He ended up doing a bullet for a crime he didn't commit.

    Example

    After the plea bargain, the defendant was relieved to receive only a bullet rather than the five-year stretch the prosecutor originally sought.
  3. 5 to move fast (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to move very quickly in a specific direction.

    to travel or move with great speed, mimicking the trajectory of a projectile.

    Example

    The motorcycle bulleted past us on the highway.

    Example

    The experimental car bulleted across the salt flats, shattering the previous land speed record within the first three miles of the run.
Etymology 1

From Middle English bullet (“an official tag or badge of registration or identification”), from Old French bullete, diminutive of boule (“ball”). Later influenced by Middle French boulette and French boulet.

Etymology 2

From bull + -et.

Word family
Idioms8 entries

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