Spanish word

bombillo

Pronunciation

IPA/bomˈbiʝo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounlight bulb

Example

¿Dónde puedo comprar un bombillo?

Where can I buy a light bulb?

Illustration for bombillo (light bulb)

More examples

Antes de cambiar el bombillo, apaga la lámpara.

Before changing the light bulb, turn off the lamp.

Core concept

Small replaceable electric globe that fits into a lamp socket and gives off light.

Common phrases

  • bombillo de 60 W

    60-watt light bulb

  • instalar el bombillo

    install the bulb

  • sacar el bombillo

    take out the bulb

  • bombillo de bajo consumo

    low-energy light bulb

Similar words

bombilla: Small decorative bulb used in fixtures, often in candle or candelabra shapes.
foco: Bulb or lamp component designed to give directed, high-intensity light.
lámpara: Portable or fixed light fixture that houses a bulb and lights a space.
ampolleta: Everyday small screw-in bulb frequently used in Latin American households.

Definition in Spanish

Elemento reemplazable de una lámpara que produce luz cuando circula corriente eléctrica.

Word origin

The word bombillo comes from bomba 'pump' plus the diminutive suffix -illo, with bomba ultimately from Greek bombos 'low humming'.

Usage tips

  • The double l in bombillo is pronounced like a y sound in most Spanish varieties, so the word sounds like bom-BEE-yo rather than bom-BILL-oh.

Related words

Word lists with this word