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

Behind the headband is where things get sculptural, with three bulbous bouffants stacked on top of one another, each smaller than the one in front of it. —Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 5 May 2025

In another bathroom, the firm designed a bulbous vanity covered in parchment leather with a waterproof high-gloss finish. —Tim McKeough, New York Times, 1 May 2025

The skull was wide and long, tipped with a bulbous lump that was unlike any skull structure seen in other crocodilians. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025

Giro, Bell, Smith, POC, and Kask are all reputable brands with a wide range of shapes to fit bulbous and diminutive noggins alike. —Chris Cona, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 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