bull
UK: bʊl | US: bʊl
n. 1. An adult male bovine animal, especially one used for breeding.
n. 2. A person who buys stocks or commodities expecting prices to rise (finance).
n. 3. Slang for exaggerated or false talk; nonsense.
The word "bull" traces back to Old English bula, meaning "male bovine," likely derived from Proto-Germanic bullô. Its meaning expanded metaphorically in finance (18th century) to describe optimistic investors who "thrust up" markets, akin to a bull's upward attack. The slang sense of "nonsense" (20th century) plays on the idea of exaggerated strength or bluster.
The farmer keeps a bull for breeding purposes.
Investors turned bullish after the positive economic report.
Don’t listen to him—he’s just talking bull.
The bull charged at the matador during the fight.
Market bulls predict a 10% rise in stock prices this year.