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
Further down the depth chart, Drew Sanders, healthy in this camp after missing all of last season due to injury, had a strong bull rush in the fourth quarter that ended in a sack of Falcons quarterback Jack Strand. — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026 Young is known to win with bull rush and heavy hands and play with extreme effort on every snap. — Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
Ponda produces BioPuff, a lightweight insulation made from Typha, commonly known as bulrush or cattail. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 The three-bedroom is surrounded by scenic bulrushes, plus there’s a large swimming pool with sun loungers and an outdoor shower to set the scene for serene summer living. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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