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
News of the fire spread quickly on social media after passengers posted videos of smoke billowing from the plane and passengers evacuating onto the wings. Katie Langford, Sun Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2025 Here is what may be next for Israel and Gaza Winter storm to dump more snow across US on Friday; warnings abound Chemical tanker versus container ship Video circulating on social media of the collision shows smoke billowing into the sky from the crash and both vessels on fire. USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 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
  • This move could result in a wave of early retirements, Nina Olson, executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights, told the Journal of Accountancy.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 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
  • Gone is the standard swell of the bat as it’s replaced with more wood in the barrel shifted closer to the hands.
    Julia Andersen, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Imagine the swell of pride if Mr. Gretzky made such a gesture, Mr. Prete said.
    John Branch, New York Times, 5 Mar. 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 27 Apr. 2025.

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