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
The 5 to 8 inch mounded plants can do front of the border duty, serve as groundcovers or billow over hanging baskets. Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025 Smoke from the Palisades Fire billows out over the ocean on January 8. Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
Outside, leisurely tracking shots graze on the horizontal sprawl of wheat fields at various stages of cultivation and harvest, and billowing skies in shades of powdery springtime blue and misty, wintry chalk. Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025 The piece featured a dramatic, billowing train that added flair to her look, setting it apart from other outfits of the day. Essence, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for billow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for billow
Noun
  • Sneaker waves can unexpectedly run significantly farther up the beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties.
    Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2025
  • There can be 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Its most significant physical feature is a segmented tread protruding from its back, and extending to the front of its face.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • In September 2024, suspect Ryan Routh, 59, was detained after Secret Service agents spotted a rifle protruding from a bush while Trump was playing on the golf course.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Although there hasn’t been a Super Bowl sized swell of attention around the news of the retailer shuttering, people have been posting.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Ben Johnson’s arrival as the new coach created a swell of optimism at team headquarters.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Read more Adrien Brody gives powerful Oscar speech after Best Actor win The worst Super Bowl ads of 2025 Hulu's Oscars gaffe, email error sparks anger During the ceremony, Oscars host Conan O'Brien poked fun at the Dune star's outfit color choice.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Offerman also poked fun at himself with quips about his monotone voice and his appearance.
    EW.com, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Early foldable phones bulged out of my pant pockets, and looked chunky in the hand.
    Ben Sin, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • On the field, Orozco was successful in her first season before missing last year due to the aforementioned bulging disc.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Billow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/billow. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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