Definition of blow
blew
play \ˈblü\;blown
play \ˈblōn\;blowing
intransitive verb
1a of air (1) : to be in motion A breeze blew gently. (2) : to move with speed or force The wind was blowing.b : to move or run quickly The linebacker blew past the tackle.
2 : to send forth a current of air or other gas Don't blow on your soup.
3a : to make a sound by or as if by blowing hear the train blowb of a wind instrument : sound a horn blowing waiting for the whistle to blow
4a : boast blowing about his accomplishmentsb : to talk windily
5a : pant, gasp The horse blew heavily.b of a cetacean : to eject moisture-laden air from the lungs through the blowhole heard a whale blow nearby
6 : to move or be carried by or as if by wind just blew into town for the weekend
7a : erupt, explode The bridge was about to blow. The windows blew out in the explosion.b : to become damaged or destroyed as a result of an electrical overload The fuse blew. A Western Massachusetts Electric Company power substation blew yesterday afternoon, cutting power for 90 minutes to more than 9,100 customers … — Patrick Johnsonc of a tire : to release the contained air through a spontaneous rupture —usually used with out blew out a tire
transitive verb
1a : to set (gas or vapor) in motion The fan blew hot air on us.b : to act on with a current of gas or vapor The breeze blew my hair dry.
blow a gasket
blow hot and cold
blow off steam
blow one's cool
blow one's cover
blow one's mind
blow one's top
orblow one's stack
blow smoke
blow the whistle
Explore M-W
Origin and Etymology of blow
Middle English, from Old English blāwan; akin to Old High German blāen to blow, Latin flare, Greek phallos penis
First Known Use: before 12th century
blow
Definition of blow
1 : an instance of air moving with speed or force : a blowing of wind especially when strong or violent
3 : an act or instance of blowing (see 1blow) gave his nose a good blow a blow of the horn
4 metallurgy a : the time during which air is forced through molten metal to refine itb : the quantity of metal refined during that time
5 slang : cocaine
Origin and Etymology of blow
see 1blow
First Known Use: 1592
Origin and Etymology of blow
Middle English, from Old English blōwan; akin to Old High German bluoen to bloom, Latin florēre to bloom, flor-, flos flower
First Known Use: before 12th century
Origin and Etymology of blow
see 3blow
First Known Use: 1710
blow
Definition of blow
1 : a forcible stroke delivered with a part of the body (such as the fist) or with an instrument a mighty blow with his club boxers exchanging blows
2 : a hostile act or state : combat nations coming to blows
3 : a forcible or sudden act or effort : assault … such a language … would solve many of his … difficulties at a single blow. — Edward Sapir
4 : an unfortunate or calamitous happening failure to land the job came as a blow
Origin and Etymology of blow
Middle English (northern dialect) blaw; probably akin to Old High German bliuwan to beat
First Known Use: 15th century
BLOW Defined for Kids
Definition of blow for Students
blew
\ˈblü\;blown
\ˈblōn\;blowing
1 : to move or be moved usually with speed and force Wind is blowing from the north. The door blew shut.
2 : to move in or with the wind Dust blew through the cracks.
3 : to send forth a strong stream of air from the mouth or from a bellows If you are cold, blow on your hands.
4 : to make a sound or cause to sound by blowing The whistle blows loudly. Blow your horn.
5 : to clear by forcing air through Blow your nose.
6 : to shape by forcing air into The workers showed how they blow glass.
7 : to enter or leave very quickly She blew into the room.
8 : to fail in performing or keeping The actor blew his lines. The team blew a big lead.
blower
\ˈblō-ər\ nounblow over
blow up
Definition of blow for Students
1 : a hard hit with a part of the body or an object a hammer's blow a blow to the head
2 : a sudden happening that causes suffering or loss The dog's death was a severe blow.
Medical Dictionary
blow
Medical Definition of blow
1: the act of some insects of depositing eggs or larvae; also : a larva so deposited (as in a wound)—used chiefly of blowflies and flesh flies
2: forcible ejection of air from the body (as in freeing the nose of mucus and debris)
3slang : cocaine
Learn More about blow
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