Swelling or sticking out prominently, often because something is too full or under pressure inside.
From 'bulge' (from Old Norse 'bulgr' meaning bag or belly). The verb form developed from the noun, describing the action of swelling outward.
The word 'bulge' is related to 'belly' and 'bilge'—all Old Norse words about things that are round and swollen—which is why a 'bulging wallet' and a 'bulging belly' use the same word, they're both about things being overstuffed!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.