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Bulle. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
Bulle, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
Bulle in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
Bulle you have here. The definition of the word
Bulle will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
Bulle, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Proper noun
Bulle
- A municipality, the capital of Gruyère district, Fribourg canton, Switzerland.
- A commune in Doubs department, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France.
German
Pronunciation
Etymology 1
Via German Low German from Middle Low German bulle. Cognate with Dutch bul. More at bull.
Noun
Bulle m (weak, genitive Bullen, plural Bullen)
- bull (male cattle)
- (figurative) bull (strong or stout man)
Usage notes
- Though generally interchangeable with Stier, only Bulle is commonly used in agricultural contexts in northern and central Germany. The word is less frequent in the South.
Declension
Synonyms
Derived terms
Etymology 2
Documented since the 19th century. Probably from Polizist (or an abbreviation thereof), whose first syllable may in some dialects have become homophonous to Bulle (“bull”). Another possibility is a derivation from Puller or Landpuller, a non-derogatory term for a policeman of the 18th century.
Noun
Bulle m (weak, genitive Bullen, plural Bullen)
- (mildly derogatory) police officer, cop, pig
Usage notes
- The word is only mildly pejorative in colloquial speech; it is nevertheless punishable in Germany to use it in the presence of a police officer on duty.
Declension
Derived terms
Etymology 3
From Middle High German bulle, from Medieval Latin bulla (“seal capsule”, literally “ball, bullet”).
Noun
Bulle f (genitive Bulle, plural Bullen)
- bull (papal decree)
Declension
Further reading
Saterland Frisian
Etymology
From Old Frisian *bula, from Proto-Germanic *bulô. More at bull.
Noun
Bulle m
- (zoology) bull; steer