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 brand’s internal vibrator features a perfect curve and a bulbous head, offering the exact right shape to tease the vaginal wall. —Gabrielle Kassel, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025

As far as citrus fruits go, the bulbous beauties may be the most unsung. —Sheela Prakash, Bon Appétit, 8 Feb. 2025

From bulbous shoes with upturned vamps to pleated pants puffed away from the body, the collection’s doll-like garments took on a larger-than-life feel. —Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025

The sleek Lelo Soraya 2 is our top pick overall because of its comfortable bulbous tip and 12 impressive vibration modes—but any one of these great vibrators will take your orgasms to new heights. —Gina Vaynshteyn, Glamour, 20 Feb. 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