bulldozer

noun

bull·​doz·​er ˈbu̇l-ˌdō-zər How to pronounce bulldozer (audio)
also ˈbəl-
1
: one that bulldozes
2
: a tractor-driven machine usually having a broad horizontal blade for moving earth

Examples of bulldozer 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.
Amid the rubble around Bari Imam, Saida Tanvir, 50, was also given a reprieve of sorts, after her son Azeem Ahmed, 16, died while trying to block a bulldozer from crushing their roadside grocery store over the winter. — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026 Vehicle-loving kids flip for Rubble’s bulldozer and Marshall’s fire truck, or Skye’s high-flying plane. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 30 Aug. 2026 The Department of Homeland Security said at the time that the bulldozers were not launching into full construction but were part of initial design and survey work. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 On Thursday, there were 1,228 firefighters working on the blaze, with 14 helicopters, 87 fire engines, and 13 bulldozers. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bulldozer

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bulldozer was in 1876

Rhymes for bulldozer

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Browse Nearby Words

bulldoze one's way
bulldozer
bull driver
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bulldozer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulldozer. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bulldozer

noun
bull·​doz·​er ˈbu̇l-ˌdō-zər How to pronounce bulldozer (audio)
: a piece of earth-moving equipment that rides on tracks and has a broad blade for pushing (as in clearing land of trees)

More from Merriam-Webster on bulldozer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bulldozer

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