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

Depending on sun, shade, and mood, meals can be taken in different locations—in the main lodge, on a private veranda, or between the bulbous trunks of baobabs. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 2025

In the spring, summer and fall, travelers flock to Utah’s Canyon Country for the rich red canyons, arches and bulbous rock formations found in the area’s two national parks, national monuments, state parks and recreation areas. —Alex Temblador, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025

The black marine mammals with bulbous heads primarily feed on the cephalopods and some small amounts of fish. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2025

Designed by Hydro Tec, the modern, muscular exterior is characterized by a sturdy steel displacement hull, a distinctive bulbous bow, and a lightweight aluminum superstructure. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 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