What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bulge
Example
The bag was so full that it started to bulge at the seams. [bulge: verb]
Example
She noticed a bulge in her pocket and realized she had forgotten to take out her phone. [bulge: noun]
lump
Example
He found a lump of clay on the table and started molding it into a sculpture. [lump: noun]
Example
She accidentally lumped all the clothes together in the washing machine, causing them to get tangled. [lumped: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lump is more commonly used than bulge in everyday language. Lump is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while bulge is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bulge and lump?
While bulge is typically associated with a more technical or specific tone, lump is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.