billow 1 of 2

noun

ˈbi-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce billow (audio)
Definition of billownext
as in wave
a moving ridge on the surface of water the great billows created by the ocean storm threatened to swamp the fishing boat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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billow

2 of 2

verb

as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point the curtains in the open windows billowed in the summer wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of billow
Noun
Smoke billows from southern Lebanon following Israeli strikes as seen from Nabatieh, Lebanon, on Sunday. — Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 31 May 2026 Smoke billows following an Israeli strike on the area of the Rawdat al-Salihin Mosque and the nearby cemetery in the southern city of Nabatieh, Lebanon, May 26, 2026. — CBS News, 27 May 2026
Verb
Scio, looking like a bridal Joan of Arc, wore a Valentino look also by Michele with a billowing navy blue top and silver metal detailing. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026 The dramatic daytime strike on the national landmark saw people clinging to windows to escape flames and thick smoke billowing out of the structure. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for billow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow
  1. wave
  2. protrude
  3. swell
  4. poke
  5. bulge
Noun
  • The hypnotizing corduroy stripes of curling blue waves visible from the resort’s expansive green clifftop lawn en route to a private staircase that leads straight to the surf—and a guest-only beach deck, too.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Seeing the president flash on the scoreboard, or wave to the crowd from a private box, probably won’t win him votes from the crowd, either, Mowery said.
    — Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • In more advanced cases, tissue may protrude through the vaginal opening.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The semiaquatic predator’s eyes would have also protruded from the skull, similar to the Indian gharial, because the eye sockets were raised like a telescope, Burke added.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of protrude
Noun
  • Mentions of data centers have, predictably, shot up across all three networks in recent months as political backlash against AI swells and the data centers themselves have become a salient issue ahead of the midterms.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Its San Diego office said Sunday morning would carry the highest flooding risks along the Orange and San Diego coasts as swells, onshore winds and high tides combine.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of swell
Verb
  • Some, including the Idaho Potato Commission, swear that the way a baked potato is opened affects the texture, eschewing a knife for a fork to gently poke a plus sign into the surface.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026
  • From ceviche and poke to pasta and tacos, the menu revolves around the catch of the day, which is sourced from local markets.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of poke
Verb
  • Simmons has been out since training camp, with what head coach Andy Reid more recently called a bulging disc in his back.
    — Sam McDowell October 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Like clockwork, Khloé’s eye starts bulging out, Kylie Jenner grows a tail, and Kourtney’s face becomes a fingernail.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of bulge

Browse Nearby Words

bill of fare
billow
billowed
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Cite this Entry

“Billow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billow. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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