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
Kate’s billowing gown featured long sleeves and a plunging neckline. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 23 Sep. 2026 The more intimate spaces in the apartment are paneled in the same heavy black raw silk that was once used for a Dolce & Gabbana opera coat; even the windows are curtained in billowing drifts of black silk chiffon. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for billow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow
  1. wave
  2. protrude
  3. swell
  4. poke
  5. bulge
Noun
  • Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue through Thursday night, with heavy rainfall in waves that could lead to flooding along area rivers, creeks and streams, the National Weather Service said.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The science is real but narrower than the marketing suggests, and the gap between the two is about to shape the next wave of skincare launches.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • Ping Ping, the male, has dark black circles around his eyes, while Fu Shuang, the female, has a forehead that protrudes a bit, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • As has the part where Reacher uses his left paw with two nails protruding from the palm as a makeshift Wolverine/Freddy Krueger stabbin’ hand.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of protrude
Noun
  • Already, waves are approaching a seaside rail line and oceanfront homes were damaged during swells last month tied to Hurricane Marie.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, a swell from Hurricane Rachel is expected to bring elevated surf of 5 to 6 feet to area beaches on Tuesday through Thursday, according to the weather service forecast.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of swell
Verb
  • 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
  • Bellingham poked in Gordon's cross midway through the first half.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of poke
Verb
  • Check for dented seams and bulging lids, which can point to food safety issues, recommends Morawetz.
    — Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Her bulging eyes, her piercing shrieks, her casual yet immaculately articulate cruelty all come together to form a cartoonish villain who’s also a commanding delight.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 2026.

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