bulbous

adjective

bul·​bous ˈbəl-bəs 

1

: having a bulb : growing from or bearing bulbs

2

: resembling a bulb especially in roundness

a bulbous nose

bulbously adverb

Examples of bulbous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Botanical Name: Iris reticulata Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade Soil Type: Nutrient-rich, well-draining Soil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5) 07 of 11 Giant Snowdrop A bulbous perennial in the amaryllis family, Giant Snowdrops produce large, solitary white flowers. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025

The Aquila has a bulbous design in the inner middle section of the hull, which limits wave action and delivers a good ride. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2025

Some people have been critical of the brand's electric vehicles, referring to the style as bulbous and jelly bean-like. —Morgan Korn, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2025

With its distinctive bulbous body and tall, narrow chimney, the freestanding, front-loading outdoor fireplace retains and radiates heat more effectively than an open fire pit. —Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bulbous

adjective

bulb·​ous

ˈbəl-bəs

1

: having a bulb : growing from or bearing bulbs

2

: resembling a bulb in being rounded or swollen

a bulbous nose

Medical Definition

bulbous

adjective

bul·​bous ˈbəl-bəs 

: resembling a bulb especially in roundness or the gross enlargement of a part

the bulbous expansion at the base of a hair