Balloon: meaning, definitions and examples

A flexible bag that is typically filled with air or another gas, often used for decoration, children's toys, or scientific experiments.

• She received a balloon for her birthday
• The scientist released a weather balloon to collect data

Informal term typically referring to a hot air balloon used for recreational flying or sightseeing.

• They took an air balloon ride over the countryside
• The air balloon floated gently in the sky

This word is often used to describe the small, colorful inflatable objects used at parties or for recreational flights. It can also refer to weather balloons used for scientific purposes.

• The children loved playing with the balloons at the birthday party
• Scientists released a weather balloon to gather data about the atmosphere

This term is typically used in a more technical or scientific context to describe any type of craft that remains aloft using lighter-than-air gas, including balloons and airships.

• The research team deployed an aerostat to monitor environmental changes
• The military uses aerostats for surveillance purposes

An airship refers to a powered, steerable lighter-than-air vehicle. It is often used in historical or technical discussions about dirigibles and similar craft.

• The Graf Zeppelin was one of the most famous airships in history
• Airships were once a common means of long-distance travel

This word is typically used to describe a specific type of large, rigid airship, often associated with the early 20th century. It has a historical connotation and is linked to the German company that built these airships.

• The Hindenburg disaster was caused by the explosion of a zeppelin
• Zeppelins were widely used for passenger travel and military observation before airplanes became common

Used to describe something that increases rapidly and dramatically in size, number, or importance, often in a figurative sense.

• His debt began to balloon out of control
• The company's costs have ballooned in recent months

Describes something increasing in size, volume, or scope in a controlled or planned way.

• The company plans to expand its operations to new markets
• As the liquid freezes, it expands

Refers to the action of filling something with air or gas, often used literally or to describe artificially increasing something.

• He used a pump to inflate the bicycle tire
• The coach tried to inflate the players' confidence before the game

Often used to describe something that naturally increases in size, usually due to internal pressure, emotions, or injury, can also have a negative connotation if it implies an adverse reaction.

• Her ankle began to swell after she sprained it
• Pride swelled within him as he received the award