protrude

verb

pro·​trude prō-ˈtrüd How to pronounce protrude (audio)
protruded; protruding
Synonyms of protrudenext

intransitive verb

: to jut out from the surrounding surface or context
a handkerchief protruding from his breast pocket

transitive verb

1
: to cause to project
2
archaic : to thrust forward
protrusible adjective

Did you know?

Since trudere means "to thrust" in Latin, protrude means basically "to thrust forward". If your neighbors' patio protrudes over your property boundary, you may want to discuss it with them. A protruding disc in your spine may have to be operated on sooner or later; superficial protrusions, such as corns or bunions, tend to be less serious than more deeply rooted ones.

Examples of protrude in a Sentence

His lower jaw protrudes slightly. A handkerchief protruded from his shirt pocket.
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.
According to court documents cited by Cleveland television station WJW, witnesses told investigators that Bryant was seen walking toward the Costco entrance with what appeared to be a drum magazine protruding from his pocket. Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 In one shared by the road commission, the rushing, foaming flow might be confused for a threatening river if not for the road guardrails protruding from the water. Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 26 Apr. 2026 The samples did not sway the Design Review Board, however, whose members seemed aghast at the prospect of building chain-link fences that would protrude into Lake Michigan. Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 The center point is perhaps what looks like a gigantic mountain with two 'spikes' protruding from its peak, like the antennae on an insect. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for protrude

Word History

Etymology

Latin protrudere, from pro- + trudere to thrust — more at threat

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of protrude was in 1620

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Protrude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protrude. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

protrude

verb
pro·​trude prō-ˈtrüd How to pronounce protrude (audio)
protruded; protruding
: to stick out or cause to stick out

Medical Definition

protrude

verb
pro·​trude prō-ˈtrüd How to pronounce protrude (audio)
protruded; protruding

transitive verb

: to cause to project
the mentalis raises and protrudes the lower lipGray's Anatomy

intransitive verb

: to jut out from the surrounding surface

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