bellow

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verb bel·low \ ˈbe-(ˌ)lō \

Definition of bellow

intransitive verb

1 :to make the loud deep hollow sound characteristic of a bull

2 :to shout in a deep voice

transitive verb

:bawl

bellows the orders

—

bellow

noun

See bellow defined for English-language learners

See bellow defined for kids

Examples of bellow in a Sentence

He bellowed at her to come over at once.
He was bellowing into the phone, giving orders to one of his employees.
The sergeant was bellowing orders.

Recent Examples of bellow from the Web

When confronted by a ferociously bellowing mob of adult humpbacks, killer whales will eventually flee.

— elin kelsey, Smithsonian, "What Humpback Whales Can Teach Us About Compassion," 18 Aug. 2017
Others seem utterly unaware there are dark undercurrents in the play, or that the Bard's lines can have second and third meanings; too many are just bellowed, most of the comedy lost amid the histrionics.

— Chicago Reader, "Something Rotten, The Project(s), and eight more new stage shows to see now," 19 July 2017
So bellowed Washington Sr., who was quite a player in his day.

— david whitley, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando rules at least one hoop world," 18 July 2017
Honorary stewards in high visibility vests will bellow orders in polite plumy tones, handing out numbered cards to each new arrival to inform them of their place at the rear of this extraordinary human tail.

— aimee lewis, CNN, "Wimbledon 2017: The art of queuing for the Wimbledon Queue," 5 July 2017
As the referee blew his whistle, Haris Medunjanin raised his arms to the Union supporters section, bellowing for the fans to cheer louder.

— julia b. poe, Philly.com, "Haris Medunjanin a steadying influence on Philadelphia Union's midfield," 3 July 2017
Soft and wavy curls bellowed around her petite frame, and sunglasses completed the elusive and effortless look.

— ashley lyle, Billboard, "The World Finally Gets a Glimpse of H.E.R. During 2017 BET Experience," 24 June 2017
A burly man in a butcher’s apron bellowed in a deep baritone about the unbeatable price of his pork chops.

— besha rodell, New York Times, "Melbourne Haggles Over the Future of Its Most Popular Market," 12 June 2017
Emerging markets had a reading of 13 at the end of March, or well bellow their long-term reading of 17.

— simon constable, WSJ, "How to Invest When Some Asset Classes Look Expensive," 4 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bellow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of bellow

Middle English belwen, from Old English bylgian; akin to Old English & Old High German bellan to roar

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

bellow Synonyms

Synonyms

roar, boom, growl, thunder

Related Words

grumble, roll, rumble; bang, blare, blast, peal, scream, screech, shriek, squall; bawl, call, cry, holler, hoot, shout, whoop, yell; bell, caterwaul, howl, wail, yowl

Near Antonyms

grunt, mouth, mumble, murmur, mutter, whisper; mewl, pule, squeak, whimper

Bellow

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biographical name Bel·low \ ˈbe-(ˌ)lō \

Definition of Bellow

Saul 1915–2005 American (Canadian-born) writer

BELLOW Defined for English Language Learners

bellow

play

verb

Definition of bellow for English Language Learners

: to shout in a deep voice
of an animal : to make a deep, loud sound

BELLOW Defined for Kids

bellow

play

verb bel·low \ ˈbe-lō \

Definition of bellow for Students

bellowed; bellowing

1 :to shout in a deep voice

He bellowed for them to stop.

2 :to make a deep and loud sound

The bull dashed up and down the field, bellowing so hard that smoke came out of his nostrils.
—Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking

bellow

noun

Definition of bellow for Students

:a loud deep sound

an angry bellow

Learn More about bellow

See words that rhyme with bellow Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bellow Spanish Central: Translation of bellow Nglish: Translation of bellow for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bellow for Arabic speakers

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Bellow

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BELLOW Defined for English Language Learners

bellow

Definition of bellow for English Language Learners

BELLOW Defined for Kids

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bellow

Definition of bellow for Students

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