noun
Refers to the bud of a flower before it opens; used literally for plants.
桜の蕾がふくらみ始めた。
The cherry blossom buds have started to swell.
バラの蕾がもうすぐ開きそうだ。
The rose buds look like they will open soon.
noun
promising young person; budding talent
Figurative use comparing a young person with potential to a flower bud; often used in phrases like 蕾のまま (still a bud) or 未来の蕾 (bud of the future).
彼女はまだ蕾だが、将来が楽しみな歌手だ。
She is still a budding talent, but she is a singer with a promising future.
この若者たちはみんな未来の蕾だ。
These young people are all buds of the future.