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

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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

The video shows two different processes for resetting different versions of the bulbs, but both involve more than 10 steps each. — Ahiza Garcia, CNN, "GE's smart-bulb tutorial shows how complicated smart technology can be," 20 June 2019 Follow an afternoon spa session with the high-end tasting menu for dinner at the on-site restaurant, Doot Doot Doot, served under a ceiling of undulating bulbs that are meant to evoke wine’s fermentation process. — Shana Clarke, Fortune, "This Australian Paradise Combines Everything You Love About Sonoma and the Hamptons," 15 June 2019 Space has been lightened elegantly, with Edison bulbs, silver-blue paint, and a white ceiling. — Michael Klein, Philly.com, "Let's Eat: Two newcomers to the 'burbs," 16 May 2018 To accomplish that, interior designer Marie Burgos suggests sticking with bulbs that emit a softer, yellow light. — Rachel Kashdan, ELLE Decor, "9 Expert Apartment Lighting Ideas That Will Transform Your Space," 27 Oct. 2016 Workers put in lower-wattage LED bulbs and shields to focus the light on the ground. — USA TODAY, "Renters revolt, troublesome bras, deer in the john: News from around our 50 states," 5 June 2019 Some bulbs and batteries can be taken to Home Depot, Best Buy or Batteries Plus. — Devin Kelly, Anchorage Daily News, "How to recycle like a pro in Anchorage," 7 June 2019 Nearly 150 people admired the setting of spring flowering bulbs along wooded trails for an annual event called Daffodil Day, which includes a plant sale that serves as a fundraiser for the cemetery. — Jacques Kelly, Howard County Times, "In Ellicott City, a once abandoned cemetery now blooms," 1 Apr. 2018 Squeeze the halved garlic bulbs into the pan and whisk them in for sweet roasted garlic goodness. — Alyse Whitney, Bon Appetit, "The Easiest Roast Chicken You'll Ever Make," 19 Feb. 2018

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.

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Dictionary Entries near bulb

Statistics for bulb

Last Updated

11 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for bulb

The first known use of bulb was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for bulb

bulb

noun

English 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