bun

¹

[ buhn ]

noun

1. any of a wide variety of variously shaped bread rolls, usually leavened and slightly sweetened or plain, sometimes containing spices, dried currants, etc.
2. hair gathered into a round coil or knot at the nape of the neck or on top of the head in certain coiffures.
3. buns, Slang. the buttocks.

bun

²

[ buhn ]

BUN

³

abbreviation for

1. blood urea nitrogen: the concentration of nitrogen in the blood in the form of urea, indicating kidney function.

bun

/ bʌn /

noun

1. a small roll, similar to bread but usually containing sweetening, currants, spices, etc
2. any of various types of small round sweet cakes
3. a hairstyle in which long hair is gathered into a bun shape at the back of the head
4. have a bun in the oven slang.
   to be pregnant

Word History and Origins

Origin of bun¹

1325–75; Middle English bunne, possibly of Romance origin; buñuelo ( def )

Origin of bun²

First recorded in 1900–05; of uncertain origin

Origin of bun³

First recorded in 1915–20

Word History and Origins

Origin of bun¹

C14: of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. have a bun on, Slang. to be intoxicated:

   Everyone at the party seemed to have a bun on.

Example Sentences

The soft bun is hollowed out and warmed after ordering, making it a “French dog,” as the locals call it.

From Salon

At The Noortwyck, we have the foie gras butter that pairs with our Duck Bun and we also include it in the albufera sauce for our chicken dish.

From Salon

For example, we buy the ducks whole for our dry-aged duck breasts and use the legs for the filling in our duck bun.

From Salon

“I believe Kamala Harris has a plan,” Oceguera said, her hair pulled back in a bun.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s using the device of dramatic irony, of course, in the manner of Shakespeare, because the audience reading the story has seen the piece’s headline and already knows that you call it a Giant Jam Bun.

From Slate

Related Words

• bread
• doughnut
• muffin
• pastry
• scone