Bellowing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bellowing

[หˆbษ›l.oสŠ.ษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

animal sound

Making a deep, loud, and resonant sound, like a bull or other large animal.

Synonyms

bark, bawl, howl, roar.

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Word Description / Examples
bellowing

Typically used when describing a very loud and deep sound often associated with pain, anger, or trying to gain attention.

  • The wounded animal was bellowing in pain.
  • The coach was bellowing instructions to his team across the field.
roar

Describes a loud, deep, and powerful sound, like that of a lion or a crowd of people. It can imply enthusiasm, excitement, or even aggression.

  • The crowd roared in approval after the goal was scored.
  • The lion's roar echoed through the savannah.
bawl

Commonly used to describe someone who is weeping or crying loudly and uncontrollably. It can carry a somewhat negative connotation, implying excessive or loud crying.

  • The child started to bawl when his toy was taken away.
  • She bawled her eyes out after hearing the sad news.
bark

Often used to describe a short, sharp, and harsh sound, much like a dog. Can also refer to shouting orders or commands.

  • The sergeant barked orders at the new recruits.
  • The neighbor's dog wouldn't stop barking all night.
howl

Usually associated with long, wailing sounds, either from animals like wolves or humans in distress or extreme emotion.

  • The wolves began to howl as the moon rose.
  • He couldn't hold back and started to howl in despair.

Examples of usage

  • The bull was bellowing loudly in the field.
  • The lion bellowed to assert dominance over the pride.
  • The elephants bellowed as they communicated with each other.
  • The moose bellowed during mating season to attract females.
  • The gorilla bellowed as a warning to others in the jungle.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Many large animals, like bulls and elephants, use bellowing to communicate over long distances, signaling warnings or attracting mates.
  • Bellowing can serve as a form of social bonding within groups of certain species, creating a sense of unity or alertness.
  • In the ocean, humpback whales bellow through song, which can travel miles to communicate with others in their pod.

Literature

  • In Shakespearean plays, characters often bellow to express intense emotion, amplifying their dramatic presence on stage.
  • Classic novels frequently describe storms with bellowing winds, painting a vivid picture of natureโ€™s power.
  • In childrenโ€™s literature, bellowing can depict a characterโ€™s anger in a colorful and exaggerated way, making the story engaging for young readers.

Cultural References

  • In folk music, bellowing voices are used to convey stories with passion and depth, often drawing audiences into the narrative.
  • Certain cultural festivals feature contestants bellowing in traditional songs, celebrating heritage and community spirit.
  • Movies often portray bellowing as a comedic device, where a character dramatically overreacts to a situation, enhancing the humor.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that loud vocalizations, like bellowing, can serve as a stress reliever, allowing individuals to express frustration or rage constructively.
  • The sound of bellowing can evoke feelings of aggression in listeners, which is often used in motivational contexts like sports.
  • Vocalizing loudly may improve mood and confidence, as it engages the body and releases endorphins, promoting wellness.

Origin of 'bellowing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bellow' comes from the Old English 'byll' which meant to howl or issue a loud cry.
  • Related to the Latin word 'bellare', meaning to roar or to cry out, indicating a strong emotion or presence.
  • It shares roots with the word 'belch', showing how both refer to loud sounds that come from deep inside.

The word 'bellowing' originates from the Old English word 'belwen', meaning 'to bellow'. It has been used for centuries to describe the deep, loud sounds made by large animals such as bulls, lions, and elephants. The term is also figuratively used to describe any loud and resonant sound that resembles the roar of an animal.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,172, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.