protrude
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
-
to thrust or cause to thrust forwards or outwards
-
to project or cause to project from or as if from a surface
Other Word Forms
- protrudable adjective
- protrudent adjective
- protrusible adjective
- unprotruded adjective
- unprotrudent adjective
- unprotrusible adjective
Etymology
Origin of protrude
First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin prōtrūdere “to thrust forward,” equivalent to prō- pro- 1 + trūdere “to thrust”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His face in careful concentration, the Major-General from Ukraine's Civil Protection Service clings tightly to a precious bundle, wrapped for protection in his coat - and out of which two small pink shoes protrude.
From BBC • Oct. 25, 2025
The woman’s skirt touches the floor, creating firm visual stability, but at the lower front edge, it just slightly lifts, and her feet protrude.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2024
Dendritic spines protrude from dendrites, a component of neurons, and receive synaptic signals that are critical in learning and memory.
From Science Daily • Feb. 20, 2024
If there is a weak spot between the abdominal muscles, internal organs might start to protrude through the gap, causing a hernia.
From New York Times • Oct. 30, 2023
The veins in her neck and forehead protrude so much they’re fighting to break through her skin.
From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
