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bombilla means lightbulb — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 4, 2026

😆 Funny Words

bombilla

noun • /[bom-BEE-ya]/

lightbulb

Example:

La bombilla del salón se quemó anoche.

The living room lightbulb burned out last night.

🧠 What does bombilla mean?

The word "bombilla" is a common noun in Spanish that refers to a lightbulb, the glass bulb that contains a filament or gas and produces light when electricity passes through it. While not inherently humorous, the word itself can sometimes be perceived as amusing by English speakers due to its sound, contributing to its inclusion in a "Funny Words" category. It is a feminine noun and is used widely across the Spanish-speaking world.

📚 Extra examples

  • Se ha fundido la bombilla del techo.
    The ceiling lightbulb has burned out.
  • Necesito comprar una bombilla nueva para la lámpara.
    I need to buy a new lightbulb for the lamp.
  • Apaga la bombilla cuando salgas de la habitación.
    Turn off the lightbulb when you leave the room.
  • La bombilla LED dura mucho más que las tradicionales.
    The LED lightbulb lasts much longer than traditional ones.

💡 Did You Know?

While 'bombilla' is the standard word for 'lightbulb' in most of the Spanish-speaking world, in some regions, especially in parts of Latin America, 'foco' is also commonly used for the same purpose.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "bombilla"

Synonyms: foco, lamparilla

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'lightbulb' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'lightbulb' is 'bombilla'.
How do you pronounce 'bombilla' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is roughly 'bom-BEE-ya'. The 'b' sounds are similar to English 'b', the 'i' sounds are short and crisp like in 'bit', and the 'll' sound is typically like the 'y' in 'yes'.
How do you use 'bombilla' in a sentence?
'Bombilla' is used like any other noun. For example, 'La bombilla está rota' (The lightbulb is broken) or 'Cambia la bombilla, por favor' (Change the lightbulb, please).
What is the English translation of 'bombilla'?
The English translation of 'bombilla' is 'lightbulb'.
Does 'bombilla' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'bombilla' is a feminine noun, so its article and any adjectives modifying it will be feminine. In the plural form, it becomes 'bombillas'.
Is 'bombilla' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'bombilla' is a very common word used daily in all Spanish-speaking regions when referring to lightbulbs.
Does 'bombilla' have slang or double meanings?
While 'bombilla' primarily means 'lightbulb', in some contexts, especially in Argentina and Uruguay, it can refer to a 'straw with a filter' used for drinking mate. However, its most common and universally understood meaning is 'lightbulb'.
Is 'bombilla' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
In Spain, 'bombilla' is the standard term for 'lightbulb'. In some parts of Latin America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, 'bombilla' can also refer to the special metal straw used to drink mate. However, the meaning of 'lightbulb' is understood everywhere.

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