bullets

word · lemma: bullet

/ˈbʊɫəts/
BUUL-its
/bˈʊlɪts/
BUUL-its

Definition

Bullets are small metal projectiles that are fired from guns. The word can also mean the round marks used to start items in a list, especially in writing or presentations.

Usage & Nuances

Usually refers to ammunition in everyday speech, while the list meaning appears in writing, design, and software contexts like 'bullet points'. Common collocations: 'live bullets', 'rubber bullets', 'a bullet hit him', and 'bullet points'. Don't confuse 'bullet' with 'cartridge' or 'gun'.

Example Sentences

The police found two bullets on the floor.

basic

Please use bullets to organize the list.

basic

The box was full of bullets.

basic

They weren't using rubber bullets — people were seriously hurt.

natural

Can you turn these long paragraphs into bullets for the slide?

natural

The report keeps it simple, with short sections and clear bullets.

natural