bulbous

adjective

bul·​bous ˈbəl-bəs How to pronounce bulbous (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for bulbous

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bulbous was in 1578

Cite this Entry

“Bulbous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulbous. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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 How to pronounce bulbous (audio)
: resembling a bulb especially in roundness or the gross enlargement of a part
the bulbous expansion at the base of a hair

More from Merriam-Webster on bulbous

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