Pronunciation: /ˈbɪloʊ/

Definitions of billow

noun a large undulating mass of something, typically cloud, smoke, or steam

Example Sentences

A1 The billow of smoke rose from the burning building.

A2 The billow of the sail caught the wind and propelled the boat forward.

B1 The billow of steam from the kettle filled the kitchen.

B2 The billow of fog obscured the view of the mountains.

C1 The billow of fabric cascaded down the staircase in a dramatic fashion.

C2 The billow of clouds in the sky created a stunning sunset.

verb to move or flow outward with an undulating motion

Example Sentences

A1 The curtains billow in the breeze.

A2 The sail billowed as the wind picked up.

B1 The smoke billowed from the chimney, signaling a fire.

B2 The storm clouds billowed ominously overhead.

C1 The hot air balloon billowed as it inflated for takeoff.

C2 The sails on the ship billowed in the strong wind, propelling it forward.

Examples of billow in a Sentence

formal The billow of smoke could be seen from miles away.

informal The curtains billow in the breeze from the open window.

slang The waves were totally billowing today, dude!

figurative Her anger seemed to billow out of her like a dark cloud.

Grammatical Forms of billow

past tense

billowed

plural

billows

comparative

more billowy

superlative

most billowy

present tense

billows

future tense

will billow

perfect tense

have billowed

continuous tense

is billowing

singular

billow

positive degree

billow

infinitive

to billow

gerund

billowing

participle

billowing

Origin and Evolution of billow

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'billow' originated from Middle English 'bilewen' or 'billewen', which derived from Old English 'bylgan' meaning to swell or surge.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'billow' has retained its original meaning of a large wave or swell, but has also come to be used metaphorically to describe something that appears to surge or roll in a similar manner.