Definition

To move or rise in large waves or folds, often caused by wind or air.

Example

The smoke began to billow from the chimney as the fire grew stronger.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Look at those clouds billowing in the sky!

Yeah, it looks like a storm is coming.

I love how they billow like that; it's so dramatic.

It really is! Nature has a way of showing off sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A large, rolling mass of something, like smoke or water, that moves in a wave-like manner.

Example

The billow of smoke from the fire could be seen from miles away.

Conversation

Did you see that huge billow of smoke coming from the factory?

Yeah, I noticed it too! It looked pretty intense.

I wonder what caused that big billow to rise so high.

Definition

To cause something to swell or puff out, often due to wind or air.

Example

The strong wind began to billow the sails of the boat.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how the wind could billow the sails on that boat?

Yeah, it looked so impressive!

I wish I could experience sailing when the sails billow like that.

Root Explanation

Billow originates from the Old English word 'bylgian', meaning to swell or surge. It describes the action of a large wave or cloud rising and moving in a rolling manner.

Memory Tip

Imagine a large wave 'surging' ('bylgian') and 'swelling' — that's why billow means to rise and move like a wave.

Visually Confused Words