bubo

noun

bu·​bo ˈbyü-(ˌ)bō How to pronounce bubo (audio)
ˈbü-
plural buboes
: an inflammatory swelling of a lymph gland especially in the groin
bubonic adjective

Examples of bubo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Porters greeting the ships found a grisly sight: a few ill sailors, their bodies ravaged with black, oozing buboes, standing on deck among their dead crewmates. Fox News, 22 Apr. 2020 The inflamed lymph gland was widely known as a bubo, giving rise to the term bubonic plague. National Geographic, 23 Apr. 2020 Pus filled buboes then grow on parts of the body -- generally in the armpit and groin area -- and a fever develops. Fox News, 22 Apr. 2020 But, within a few days, victims developed the classic symptoms of bubonic plague—lumps, or buboes, in their groin and under their arms. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2020 There, the bacteria multiply, causing the dark, swollen lump called buboes that give the plague its name. Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 12 June 2018 Nevertheless, the bubonic plague, which is characterized by buboes, or swollen lymph nodes in people, is the most common form, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Elly Belle, Teen Vogue, 14 June 2018 These prominent buboes give their name to bubonic plague. Maggie Fox, NBC News, 3 Nov. 2017 This causes a painful swelling called a bubo, where the infection gets its name. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 6 Oct. 2017 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bubo.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin bubon-, bubo, from Greek boubōn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bubo was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near bubo

Cite this Entry

“Bubo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bubo. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

bubo

noun
bu·​bo ˈb(y)ü-bō How to pronounce bubo (audio)
plural buboes
: an inflamed swelling of a lymph node especially in the groin
bubonic adjective

Medical Definition

bubo

noun
bu·​bo ˈb(y)ü-(ˌ)bō How to pronounce bubo (audio)
plural buboes
: an inflammatory swelling of a lymph node especially in the groin
bubonic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on bubo

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