bulb

noun

\ ˈbəlb

plural bulbs

Definition of bulb

1a : a resting stage of a plant (such as the lily, onion, hyacinth, or tulip) that is usually formed underground and consists of a short stem base bearing one or more buds enclosed in overlapping membranous or fleshy leaves

b : a fleshy structure (such as a tuber or corm) resembling a bulb in appearance

c : a plant having or developing from a bulb

2 : a bulb-shaped part specifically : a glass envelope enclosing the light source of an electric lamp or such an envelope together with the light source it encloses

3 : a rounded or swollen anatomical structure

4 : a camera setting that indicates that the shutter can be opened by pressing on the release and closed by ending the pressure

Other Words from bulb Example Sentences Phrases Containing bulb Learn More About bulb

Other Words from bulb

bulbed \ ˈbəlbd

\ adjective

flasks with bulbed necks

bulblike \ ˈbəlb-ˌlīk

\ or bulb-like adjective

… a large underground rhizome, a bulblike growth that extends massive roots from its underside. — Elizabeth Schneider

Examples of bulb in a Sentence

the bulb of the thermometer

Recent Examples on the Web Unlike some other smart lights, this dimmable LIFX bulb does not require a bridge or hub. — Marc Saltzman, USA TODAY, 19 June 2022 Add an old-fashioned Edison bulb—one of which is included with this model—to complete the look. — Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 16 June 2022 All projectors have slightly different throw lengths, based on the type of bulb, lens, and other factors used in their design. — Parker Hall, Wired, 8 June 2022 Many others who had planted earlier succeeded in harvesting, going from plant to plant, slicing the poppy’s bulb, then scooping up the sap that oozes out, the raw material for opium. — Abdul Khaliq, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2022 With the heat wave expected to expand into more humid, coastal regions, the risk of hitting critical wet-bulb temperature thresholds will increase, Otto said. — Denise Chow, NBC News, 7 May 2022 Using a bulb meal (5-10-5, for example) in the planting hole will help the bulbs establish a strong root system once they are replaced in the soil. — oregonlive, 1 May 2022 The decision comes down to traditional bulb lamps, lasers, or LEDs. — Mike Richard, Men's Health, 28 Apr. 2022 Today Twitter is like Hoover Dam, with all its raging power put to use lighting one 40-watt bulb. — David Gelernter, WSJ, 11 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bulb.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About bulb

Dictionary Entries Near bulb

Bulawayo

bulb

bulbaceous

Statistics for bulb

Last Updated

26 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Bulb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulb. Accessed 29 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for bulb

bulb

noun

\ ˈbəlb

Kids Definition of bulb

1 : light bulb

2 : a dormant stage of a plant that is formed underground and consists of a very short stem with one or more flower buds surrounded by special thick leaves

3 : a plant structure (as a tuber) that is somewhat like a bulb

4 : a rounded object or part the bulb of a thermometer

bulb

noun

\ ˈbəlb

Medical Definition of bulb

1 : a rounded dilation or expansion of something cylindrical the bulb of a thermometer especially : a rounded or pear-shaped enlargement on a small base the bulb of an eyedropper

2 : a rounded part: as