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\ 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
Illustration of bulb
bulb 1a: 1 hyacinth, 2 onion, 3 tulip, 4 lily
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Other Words from bulb
bulbed \ ˈbəlbd \ adjective
\ adjective
flasks with bulbed necks
bulblike \ ˈbəlb-ˌlīk \ or bulb-like adjective
\ 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 In midspring and early summer, scratch low-nitrogen fertilizer into the soil around each bulb.
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Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, "What Are Orienpet Lilies and Why You Need Them in You Garden," 23 June 2020 The bulb, like the ground, has a positive charge, which attracted the negative ions from the balloon.
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Rebecca Renner, National Geographic, "Don’t let children just watch the weather—have them create it instead.," 10 June 2020 Add the fennel bulb slices and a pinch of salt to the skillet and saute until the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes.
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Paul Stephen, ExpressNews.com, "Recipe: Cod en Papillote with Fennel and Fresh Herbs and Couscous," 10 June 2020 This set features 12 large bulbs and is available for just under $15 at Home Depot.
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Courtney Campbell, USA TODAY, "10 products under $30 to spruce up your outdoor space," 28 May 2020 When looking at plants, observe a mixture of trees, shrubs, bulbs, and perennials, including perennial weeds.
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Marianne Willburn, Better Homes & Gardens, "Keeping a Garden Journal Is the Easiest Way to Become a Better Gardener," 20 May 2020 Direct Gardening is having a half-off sale on gardening plants, seeds, bulbs and supplies.
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oregonlive, "Kids, adults learn to grow vegetables at home with free online OSU courses," 7 May 2020 These hardy woody-stemmed plants and bulbs can be grown near your kitchen door in most climates to give your food some fresh flavors during the coldest weather.
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Popular Science, "How to start your own survival garden," 8 Apr. 2020 These hardy woody-stemmed plants and bulbs can be grown near your kitchen door in most climates to give your food some fresh flavors during the coldest weather.
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Tim Macwelch, Outdoor Life, "How To Start Your Own Survival Garden," 31 Mar. 2020
See MoreThese 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.
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More Definitions for bulb
bulb
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of bulb
: a rounded part of some plants that is under the ground and that grows into a new plant during the growing season
: a part that has a rounded shape
See the full definition for bulb in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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
a : a rounded enlargement of one end of a part — see bulb of the penis, bulb of the vestibule, end bulb, hair bulb, olfactory bulb
c : a thick-walled muscular enlargement of the pharynx of certain nematode worms
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Time Traveler for bulb
The first known use of bulb was in the 15th century
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