bulbous

adjective

bul·​bous ˈbəl-bəs How to pronounce bulbous (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Their faces and extremities are bare; the rest of their bulbous bodies are covered in a layer of fur. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025 The bulbous body traps aroma and allows a creamy, rich head to develop. Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bulbous

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bulbous was in 1578

Cite this Entry

“Bulbous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulbous. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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 How to pronounce bulbous (audio)
: resembling a bulb especially in roundness or the gross enlargement of a part
the bulbous expansion at the base of a hair

More from Merriam-Webster on bulbous

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