Botany A small protuberance on a stem or branch, sometimes enclosed in protective scales and containing an undeveloped leaf, flower, or leafy shoot. The stage or condition of having buds: branches in full bud.
Informal Flowers from a female cannabis plant, especially after being harvested and prepared for smoking or other use: bought some bud. A single flower of a cannabis plant, especially a female flower: when to harvest buds.
Biology An asexual reproductive structure, as in yeast or a hydra, that consists of an outgrowth capable of developing into a new individual. A small, rounded organic part, such as a taste bud, that resembles a plant bud.
One that is not yet fully developed: the bud of a new idea.
An earbud.
To put forth or produce buds: a plant that buds in early spring.
To develop or grow from or as if from a bud:"listened sympathetically for a moment, a bemused smile budding forth"(Washington Post).