bulbous

[ buhl-buhs ]

adjective

1. bulb-shaped; bulging.
2. having or growing from bulbs.

ˈbulbous

/ ˈbʌlbəs /

adjective

1. shaped like a bulb; swollen; bulging
2. growing from or bearing bulbs

Derived Forms

• ˈbulbously, adverb

Other Words From

• bulbous·ly adverb
• nonbul·baceous adjective
• non·bulbous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bulbous¹

From the Latin word bulbōsus, dating back to 1570–80. See bulb, -ous

Example Sentences

There are many great and memorable exhibits in the museum, but perhaps the pièce de résistance is the massive Olympic pool-sized ball pit that hosts intermittent light shows in which additional balls and spotlights descend from the already bulbous ceiling.

From Los Angeles Times

Her right hand gripped the edge of a coffee table strewn with clutter: two lighters, a can of Coca-Cola, an ashtray containing three cigarette butts, a bulbous glass pipe, a small plastic bag.

From Los Angeles Times

He opened the five-room exhibition with a bulbous, abstract painted sculpture suspended from the ceiling that nearly filled the space.

From Los Angeles Times

After producing a ceiling lamp with a bulbous glass filament that rises from the center to evoke a water drop splashing in a pool, Beacon Custom Lighting followed with its Pond decanter.

From Seattle Times

Available in three bulbous shapes and five finishes; price upon request.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bulbous
• curled
• curved
• cylindrical
• elliptical
• oval
• rounded
• spherical