Meaning of billow in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈbɪloʊ/

   US accent

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   billow

   Definitions

   1. rise up as if in waves

   Examples

   • « smoke billowed up nto the sky »
2. 2. move with great difficulty

   Examples

   • « The soldiers billowed across the muddy riverbed »
3. 3. rise and move, as in waves or billows

   Examples

   • « The army surged forward »
4. 4. become inflated

   Examples

   • « The sails ballooned »

5. Noun

   billow

   Etymology

   mid 16th century: from Old Norse bylgja

   Definitions

   1. a large sea wave