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

Baker inquires about the design of the hunchback and hovers his hand above her bulbous boils. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025

Lopez sported an all-white ensemble of pants flared mid-calf and a bulbous jacket. —Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025

The top overlay of her black, Christian Dior gown blew upward, and billowed, appearing inflated and bulbous for about a second, footage of the moment shared by Cinema Blend shows. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Justin, meanwhile, delights in the most gargantuan hoodies and bottoms, bulbous footwear, and sporty accessories, while always wearing something from his own brand too. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 27 Aug. 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