Bulb
/bʌlb/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe underground part of some plants, usually rounded and swollen with stored food, that produces new shoots and roots.
/bʌlb/
A rounded part of a plant
The gardener carefully planted the flower bulbs.
💡 Simply: It's the round, underground part of some plants that helps them grow.
👶 For kids: It's like a plant's sleeping bag, filled with yummy food to help it grow!
More Examples
The onion bulb was added to the soup.
How It's Used
"The tulip bulb was planted in the spring."
"We need to buy some daffodil bulbs."
A glass container enclosing a filament or other light source used for illumination.
/bʌlb/
A glass object containing a light source
The light bulb flickered and died.
💡 Simply: It's the glass thing that makes light in a lamp.
👶 For kids: It's the light in your lamp!
More Examples
He replaced the old incandescent bulb with a new energy-saving one.
How It's Used
"The light bulb burned out."
"LED bulbs are more energy-efficient."
From Middle English bulbe, from Old French bulbe, from Latin bulbus.
The word 'bulb' has been used in its botanical sense since at least the 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of a bulb like a tiny, underground storage unit for plants.