First Known Use: 1552
Dictionary
1billow
noun bil·low \ˈbi-(ˌ)lō\
: a moving cloud or mass of smoke, steam, etc.
: a large wave
Full Definition of BILLOW
1
: wave; especially : a great wave or surge of water
2
: a rolling mass (as of flame or smoke) that resembles a high wave
— bil·lowy \ˈbi-lə-wē\ adjective
See billow defined for English-language learners
See billow defined for kids
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Origin of BILLOW
Old Norse bylgja; akin to Old High German balg bag — more at belly
2billow
verb
: to move as a large cloud or mass
: to be pushed outward by air
: to rise or roll in waves
Full Definition of BILLOW
intransitive verb
1
: to rise or roll in waves or surges
2
: to bulge or swell out (as through action of the wind)
transitive verb
: to cause to billow
See billow defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BILLOW
1585
Related to BILLOW
Rhymes with BILLOW
BILLOW Defined for Kids
1billow
noun bil·low \ˈbi-lō\
Definition of BILLOW for Kids
1
: a large wave <… the billows rose and fell unbroken. — Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island>
2
: a moving cloud or mass (as of smoke or flame)
2billow
verb
bil·lowedbil·low·ing
Definition of BILLOW for Kids
1
: to rise or roll in large waves <the billowing ocean>
2
: to move as a large cloud or mass <Smoke billowed from the chimney.>
3
: to bulge or swell out <Sails billowed in the breeze.>
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