WordGarden.iobulbous
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈʌlbəs/
US
- /ˈbəlbəs/
Meanings
Adjective
rounded, swollen, or bulging in shape
having, growing from, or resembling a plant bulb
Beyond the definition
Think of a lightbulb or a plump onion—that distinctly rounded, swelling shape is exactly what bulbous describes. It refers to something that has a bulging form, often wider or thicker in one part than at its ends. You might describe the nose of a clown as bulbous, or even the rounded hull of a large ship. It isn't necessarily massive, but it usually has smooth outward curves and often appears somewhat inflated. Unlike sharp or angular objects, something bulbous curves outward in a way that suggests volume and fullness.
Imagine an old-fashioned diving helmet or the way a pufferfish looks when it expands for protection—those are classic examples of bulbous shapes. The word evokes a sense of distinct, rounded expansion that stands out from its surroundings.
The word bulbous paints a vivid picture of something resembling a plant bulb—a rounded projection or a heavy swelling. It implies more than just being "round"; it suggests a specific type of fullness, often featuring a slightly exaggerated or uneven curve. While a sphere is perfectly symmetrical, a bulbous object often has an organic, irregular quality, like something that has grown, inflated, or pushed outward from within.
You will frequently encounter bulbous when describing the natural world. It perfectly captures the shape of certain fruits like gourds, the "knees" of cypress trees, or specific animal features, such as the rounded forehead of a pilot whale. For instance, describing "the bulbous roots of an ancient oak" suggests thick, knobby structures pushing forcefully through the soil.
However, the term is equally useful for man-made objects and personified descriptions. It can describe a "bulbous teapot," the "bulbous hood" of a vintage 1940s car, or "thick, bulbous glass frames" that magnify the wearer's eyes. In literature, it is sometimes used to create a slightly comical, grotesque, or whimsical image, particularly when describing human features like a nose or joints.
The word finds its roots in the Latin bulbus, referring to the swollen base of plants like onions and lilies. So, whenever you see something that swells outward in a heavy, rounded fashion, remember the humble onion and use bulbous. It is a precise descriptive word that adds character and visual texture to your writing.
Examples
- 1
Facial feature
The old man had a bulbous nose that turned red in the cold.
- 2
Object shape
The bottle is narrow at the top but bulbous at the bottom.
- 3
Interior design
The designer chose a bulbous glass lamp to soften the room’s sharp lines.
- 4
Architecture
From a distance, the church’s bulbous dome stood out above the square.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- bulbous nose
- bulbous eyes
- bulbous shape
- bulbous base
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- bulbousadjective