billow 1 of 2

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

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
Images show two carriages of the ride on fire as smoke billows into the air at the Highfield Festival near the city of Leipzig. Sophie Tanno, CNN, 18 Aug. 2024 Leveled homes, clubs and restaurants snaked along the shore, punctuated by billows of smoke from the few structures that remained. Loren Elliott, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Three people were killed when a small plane crashed near the airport in Boca Raton, Fla., on Friday, officials said, sending large plumes of smoke billowing into the air as residents reported hearing a thunderous crashing sound. Remy Tumin, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 This best-selling midi dress from Madewell is fitted with billowing balloon sleeves that evoke the breezy, carefree nature of the season, while the cool black and white dotted print is a bold choice that breaks up the not-so-groundbreaking florals of the season. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for billow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow
Noun
  • What is the difference between mermaid waves and beach waves?
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Diego Luna flashes a smile and a wave while attending an Andor season 2 event at El Capitan Theatre in L.A. on April 14. 108 of 120 Red Carpet Style H.E.R. steps out for the European premiere of Sinners at Cineworld Leicester Square in London on April 14.
    Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The two rear cameras live in a small module that protrudes less than a millimeter from the back case.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Well down the mountainside a small ledge protruded from the sharp ridge like a bulbous growth.
    Percy Brown, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The massive dome of the Grand Mosque, and the city’s brilliant whites and blues and glittering golden crescents, blinked at me as the battering swell soaked me and my gear.
    Chris Wallace, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Live like the pampered swells by checking into the Starlight Casita, a second-floor luxury room with arresting mountain views and a private patio replete with an outdoor fireplace.
    David Weiss, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo poked the ball away from Nembhard briefly and a scramble ensued, but the Pacers came up with the ball.
    Eric Nehm, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The eye poke left Muhammad unable to continue, and the fight was ruled a no contest.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Varicose veins are swollen, bulging veins that usually occur in the legs and can be visible just beneath the skin.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • She’s also seen with her eyes severely bulging, sometimes wearing only a gray bathrobe and without her trademark wig.
    Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Billow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billow. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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