billowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "billowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to move or swell outward in a rolling motion, usually referring to fabric or smoke. Example: The billowing curtains glided gracefully in the gentle breeze. In this sentence, "billowing" is used as an adjective to describe the movement of the curtains.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had expected desert and scrub, but instead hibiscus and bougainvillea billowed across rooftops, and orange trees dripping fruit lined the busy roads.

The Guardian - Travel

A column of white and yellow smoke billowed above.

The Guardian

On cue, a threatening puff of snow billowed down the mountains.

The Guardian - Travel

Smoke billowed from at least 11 banks and five petrol stations.

The Economist

Huge columns of black smoke billowed hundred of metres into the air.

The Economist

The same is not true of the regular police, who have almost always run away as the insurgency billowed across the country over the past year.

The Economist

Debris that had billowed in great clouds after army jets bombed the village in early May litters the surrounding fields.

The Economist

As thick plumes of smoke billowed into the sky across the Potomac, the city was transformed in minutes.

The Economist

But late last year, when biotech shares began their rapid rise, billowed by gusts of day trading and gales of genomic excitement, Serono's shares joined them, more than doubling in value between November 1999 and March 2000.In this section Wiring the wilderness Deathly distance Predators in the air Under e-construction Smooth sailing, so far Denouement Drilling down The future of flying?

The Economist

In fact, it had not; he just believed that to be the case.Down his street, black smoke billowed from Iraqi-lit oil fires designed to confuse missile-guidance systems.

The Economist

Even as Kenyan soldiers were fighting battles with heavily armed militants loyal to the Somali Islamists of the Shabab, officials claimed the mall was largely under control.That pretence was exploded on the afternoon of September 23rd when a series of deafening blasts shook the battered shopping centre and a column of black smoke billowed from its roof.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "billowed" to vividly describe the movement of smoke, fabric, or other materials that expand and flow in a visually striking manner.

Common error

Avoid using "billowed" to describe objects that are simply large or voluminous without movement. "Billowed" implies dynamic motion, not just size.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "billowed" is as a verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of 'billow.' It describes an action of something swelling out or moving with a flowing, rising motion. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "billowed" is a grammatically correct and versatile verb used to vividly describe the movement of something expanding or swelling outward. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is well-established in the English language. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively conveys a sense of motion and volume, particularly with materials like smoke or fabric. When using "billowed", ensure it describes dynamic movement rather than just static size. Related terms such as "swelled", "surged", and "ballooned" can serve as alternatives depending on the intended nuance. Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swelled

Implies a gradual increase in size or volume, similar to "billowed" but often with a more controlled connotation.

surged

Suggests a sudden and powerful forward movement or increase, differing from "billowed" in its emphasis on force.

ballooned

Specifically implies an inflation or expansion resembling a balloon, offering a more visual image than "billowed".

undulated

Conveys a smooth, wavy motion, contrasting with the more expansive sense of "billowed".

heaved

Signifies a strong, upward movement, differing from "billowed" in its emphasis on effort or force.

rose

Indicates an upward movement or increase in level, being more general than "billowed".

puffed out

Describes a sudden expansion, often associated with breath or air, less fluid than "billowed".

inflated

Implies filling with air or gas, making it more literal compared to the figurative uses of "billowed".

flowed

Suggests a continuous movement of liquid or gas, less about expansion than "billowed".

rolled

Implies a turning movement, contrasting with the expanding motion of "billowed".

FAQs

How can I use "billowed" in a sentence?

You can use "billowed" to describe smoke, clouds, fabric, or anything that moves with a rising or swelling motion. For example, "The smoke "billowed" from the chimney."

What words are similar to "billowed"?

Alternatives to "billowed" include "swelled", "surged", or "ballooned", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "billowed" the correct past tense of billow?

Yes, "billowed" is the past tense and past participle of the verb billow, indicating that something has already expanded or moved in a swelling manner.

What is the difference between "billowed" and "flowed"?

"Billowed" implies a swelling, rising movement, often associated with smoke or fabric, while "flowed" suggests a continuous, smooth movement, typically of liquids or gases.