bellows

noun

bel·​lows ˈbe-(ˌ)lōz 

-ləz

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: an instrument or machine that by alternate expansion and contraction draws in air through a valve or orifice and expels it through a tube

also : any of various other blowers

2

: lungs

3

: the pleated expansible part in a camera

also : a metallic or plastic flexible and expansible vessel

Examples of bellows in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This can be paired with a proprietary gooseneck fan that fits into the elbow’s opening and acts like electric bellows—producing glowing coals in as little as 3 minutes. —Melissa Mayer, Field & Stream, 30 Jan. 2023

That drill and its associated instrumentation lie within a metal bellows. —Liz Kruesi, Discover Magazine, 27 Aug. 2016

Gadgetry out of Rogers’ lab has included everything from wireless electronic implants that fight a bacterial infection and then disappear, to stretchable batteries made of tiny nanowires arranged to resemble an accordion’s bellows. —Stephen Ornes, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2017

Some Good Shepherd members are old enough to remember when a young boy pumped the bellows with his feet. —Dallas News, 23 Nov. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bely, below, belwes — more at belly

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bellows

singular or plural noun

bel·​lows ˈbel-ōz 

-əz

1

: a device that produces a strong current of air when it is spread apart and then pressed together

2

: a part of some cameras that is pleated and can expand

Medical Definition

bellows

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

bel·​lows ˈbel-(ˌ)ōz, -əz 

: lungs

Biographical Definition

Bellows

biographical name

Bel·​lows ˈbe-(ˌ)lōz 

George Wesley 1882–1925 American painter