billow

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "billow" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used as a verb or a noun to refer to a large mass of smoke, vapor, or cloud; or to the rolling waves of the sea. Example sentence: Thick white billows of smoke rose from the chimney.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The smokestacks of factories billow pollution into the ethereal, magnificently rendered atmosphere – Seurat seems to paint every molecule of oxygen and smoke – but here on the riverside is a moment of timeless summer peace.

The Guardian - Arts

In some areas, should the winds change and the volcanoes' acidic smoke billow over farmland, acid rain can destroy an entire harvest.

The Guardian

For the Paul Ryan effect, buy your trousers in sizes at least five times too big, so that they billow in the wind like MC Hammer's pants.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Scottish saltires are almost as hard to find on the islands as the union flag rather it is their own flags, Scandinavian-style crosses on blue and red backgrounds, that billow from trawlers and flagstaffs.

The Economist

Yet you can be sure that Mr Kagame will hold an election whenever the constitution demands it.The winds of democratic change in the Arab world, whose record has hitherto been far worse than Africa's, have begun to billow south.

The Economist

Such improvements have come mainly from taking the billow out of the Rogallo wing, reducing its sweep, increasing its aspect ratio (span divided by width)—and, above all, learning how to control the twist in the wing.

The Economist

The wind of Arab freedom that suddenly began to billow at the beginning of 2011 will gust across the entire Arab world throughout 2012.

The Economist

Todd Moss of the Centre for Global Development, a Washington, DC, think-tank, says that investment funds specialising in Africa grew in the 1990s, when a new wind of change seemed to billow, only to vanish as the world economy lost speed.

The Economist

Scottish saltires the size of bedsheets billow above allotments and from blocks of flats.

The Economist

Thick plumes of smoke billow from the chimneys at the Larr Sugar Mill; one business, at least, is recovering.

The Economist

The chordae tendineae and the papillary muscles from which they arise limit the extent to which the portions of the valves near their free margin can billow toward the atria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "billow" to vividly describe the movement of large, flowing masses such as smoke, water, or fabric, enhancing the imagery in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "billow" to describe objects that are stationary or do not exhibit dynamic, flowing movement. It is more appropriate for things that are actively swelling or surging.

Linguistic Context

The word "billow" functions as both a verb, describing the action of surging or swelling, and a noun, referring to a large wave or mass. Ludwig AI showcases its usage across various contexts, reflecting its versatility in depicting expansive movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "billow" is a versatile term functioning as both a verb and a noun, primarily used to describe the expansive, surging movement of large masses like smoke, water, or fabric. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in written English. It's prevalent in news and media, as well as encyclopedic content, offering a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When using "billow", focus on its dynamic nature and avoid applying it to static objects to maintain accuracy and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge

This term is a direct synonym, indicating a powerful forward movement or swelling.

swell

This term describes a gradual increase in size or intensity, similar to how something "billows".

undulate

This term emphasizes the wave-like motion inherent in the concept of "billowing".

balloon

This term focuses on the inflation or expansion aspect of "billowing".

inflate

This term highlights the action of filling something with air or gas, causing it to "billow" outwards.

roll

This term describes a continuous, circular movement, often associated with large masses like clouds or waves.

heave

This term suggests a forceful lifting or swelling movement.

puff out

This phrase implies a sudden expansion or swelling, often due to air or gas.

ripple

This term suggests a slight wave-like disturbance that moves across a surface.

mushroom

This term refers to something expanding or growing quickly in the shape of a mushroom.

FAQs

How can I use "billow" in a sentence?

You can use "billow" to describe the movement of large, flowing masses. For example, "The sails "billow" in the wind", or "Thick clouds of smoke "billow" from the chimney".

What can I say instead of "billow"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "surge", "swell", or "undulate".

Which is correct, "billow" or "bellow"?

"Billow" refers to a swelling or surging movement, while "bellow" means to emit a loud, deep sound. The correct word depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "billow" and "ripple"?

"Billow" describes a large, expansive movement, whereas "ripple" refers to a smaller, more delicate wave-like motion. Use "ripple" for surfaces or smaller disturbances.