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

The lid rotates to open or seal, and the bulbous silhouette suits a bevy of different design aesthetics. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Apr. 2026

The delightfully bulbous light now features color-changing, dimming, and smart home control. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 15 Apr. 2026

How to Plant Dahlia Tubers Dahlia tubers have a bulbous body at one end, and a small crown with future growth points called eyes at the other. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026

Lounge chairs have become increasingly bulbous and cushy over the years, so Knoll’s Perron Pillo Lounge chair feels perfectly on trend. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026

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