bellow

verb

bel·​low ˈbe-(ˌ)lō 

bellowed; bellowing; bellows

intransitive verb

1

: to make the loud deep hollow sound characteristic of a bull

2

: to shout in a deep voice

transitive verb

: bawl

bellows the orders

bellow noun

Synonyms

• boom
• growl
• roar
• thunder

Examples of bellow in a Sentence

He bellowed at her to come over at once.

He was bellowing into the phone, giving orders to one of his employees.

The sergeant was bellowing orders.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cave’s earthy groan is a bellowing contrast to the cosmic orchestral swells that swirl around him. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024

Maximus bellowed at the crowd, his voice dripping with irony. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024

The dozen-and-a-half musicians joining Church on stage took away from that — the trombone bellows and flute trills distracted, making the song feel cartoonish at moments. —Justin Curto, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024

The rifle bellows, and the buck scampers off, unhurt. —Jack O’Connor, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English belwen, from Old English bylgian; akin to Old English & Old High German bellan to roar

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

bellow

verb

bel·​low ˈbel-ō 

: to make a deep loud roar like that of a bull

bellow noun

Biographical Definition

Bellow

biographical name

Bel·​low ˈbe-(ˌ)lō 

Saul 1915–2005 American (Canadian-born) writer