bubo

noun

plural buboes
: an inflammatory swelling of a lymph gland especially in the groin
bubonic adjective

Examples of bubo 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.
There are three types of plague: bubonic plague, which is associated with enlarged lymph nodes called buboes; septicemic plague, which occurs when the bacteria enter the bloodstream; and pneumonic plague, which is when the infection enters the lungs. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025 Infection is rapid, causing swellings in the lymph nodes (buboes) and leading to septicaemia and pulmonary infection. Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Those with bubonic plague have one or more swollen and painful lymph nodes, also called buboes. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 July 2025 Along with fever, headache and chills, someone with the bubonic plague may get swollen painful lymph nodes called buboes. Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025 Bubonic plague still exists today, and symptoms include painful, swollen lymph nodes, called buboes, in the groin, armpit or neck areas, as well as fever, chills and coughing. Katie Hunt, CNN, 10 July 2024 Usually, patients will have blood and other samples, such as sputum or pus, taken from a bubo. Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 9 July 2024 After an incubation period of two to eight days, patients develop fever, headache and a bubo. Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Symptoms of the plague include fever, headache, chills, weakness and one or more swollen, painful lymph nodes, known as buboes. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin bubon-, bubo, from Greek boubōn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bubo was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bubo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bubo. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

bubo

noun
bu·​bo ˈb(y)ü-bō How to pronounce bubo (audio)
plural buboes
: an inflamed swelling of a lymph node especially in the groin
bubonic adjective

Medical Definition

bubo

noun
bu·​bo ˈb(y)ü-(ˌ)bō How to pronounce bubo (audio)
plural buboes
: an inflammatory swelling of a lymph node especially in the groin
bubonic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on bubo

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