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

The winds stoking the wildfires are forecast to pick up once more and bellow for more than a day’s length. —Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

In the technical area, Conceicao pumped his fists and bellowed into the night air of the Saudi capital. —Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025

No one likes getting stuck behind a huge truck bellowing out filthy fumes. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Avoid areas where the heat vents bellow out their dry and drying air. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 13 Dec. 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