gallbladder

American  

[gawl-blad-er] / ˈgɔlˌblæd ər /

Or gall bladder

noun

Anatomy.

1. a pear-shaped, muscular sac attached to the undersurface of the right lobe of the liver, in which bile is stored and concentrated.

---

gallbladder Scientific  

/ gôl′blăd′ər /

1. A small, pear-shaped muscular sac in most vertebrates in which bile is stored. The gallbladder is located beneath the liver and secretes bile into the duodenum of the small intestine.

---

gallbladder Cultural  

1. A small, muscular sac located under the liver. Bile is stored in the gallbladder until it is needed by the small intestine for digestion. (See digestive system.)

---

Etymology

Origin of gallbladder

First recorded in 1670–80; gall ¹ + bladder

Example Sentences

Tuft cells are found in several parts of the body, including the airways, gallbladder, and reproductive system, not just the gut.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

She was told she would have to have her gallbladder removed, but before she could have the operation, her gallstones caused pancreatitis – an inflammatory disease that can be fatal.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

Patient leaflets on weight-loss injections state that gallstones are a "common" side effect, and in medical trials the injections also sometimes led to inflammation of the gallbladder.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

Since her gallbladder removal, her appetite has grown, and she loves to bake.

From Slate • Sep. 15, 2025

“And gallbladder must be a place,” Lizzie says.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin