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Belly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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belly

bel-ly

🇺🇸 /ˈbɛɫi/ · 🇬🇧 /bˈɛli/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

The front part of the human body below the chest, containing the stomach and bowels.

Synonyms

abdomen, stomach, tummy.

Examples of usage

  • My belly is full after the big meal.
  • He patted his belly after eating the delicious dessert.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person's stomach or abdomen.

Synonyms

midsection, tummy.

Examples of usage

  • She rubbed her belly as she waited for her food.
  • He complained of a pain in his belly.
Context #3 | Noun

slang

One's innermost feelings or thoughts.

Synonyms

heart, mind, soul.

Examples of usage

  • She poured her heart out, sharing her belly with us.
  • He kept his belly hidden from everyone.

Translations

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

Quick facts about “belly”

Belly is a 2-syllable noun (bel-ly). It is pronounced /ˈbɛɫi/ in American English and /bˈɛli/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 3 meanings, 8 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #6,981 among the most common English words.

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“belly” in cultural significance

  • In many cultures, the shape of the belly is associated with health and fertility, often celebrated in art and sculpture.
  • The 'dancing belly' from Middle Eastern cultures highlights celebrations, joy, and the beauty of body movements that involve the belly.
  • In various traditions, a round belly is seen as a sign of wealth and prosperity, often depicted in folklore and stories.

“belly” in health and biology

  • The belly houses many important organs, including the stomach, intestines, and liver, allowing for digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Understanding belly fat is crucial for health, as excess belly fat can indicate risks for diseases like diabetes and heart problems.
  • Yoga and exercises that focus on the belly can improve core strength and overall wellness, highlighting its function in stability.

“belly” in literature and expression

  • Literature often uses the term 'belly' metaphorically, such as describing courage as 'having guts' or 'a fire in the belly'.
  • In children's stories, a belly that growls can signal hunger, adding a fun, relatable aspect to narratives and character expressions.
  • Fables often depict characters with big bellies, symbolizing abundance or foolishness, making stories engaging and memorable.

Origin of 'belly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'belly' comes from the Old English 'bylle', which is related to words in several languages that mean 'stomach'.
  • In Latin, the word 'bellow' is linked to the belly, showing how ancient cultures saw this part of the body as significant.
  • In different languages, the word for 'belly' often reflects its shape or function, such as 'stomach' in Spanish ('estómago') and French ('estomac').

The word 'belly' originated from the Old English word 'bæl' which meant 'bag' or 'purse'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the front part of the human body below the chest. The concept of the belly has been significant in various cultures and symbolizes nourishment, emotions, and even intuition.

Rhymes

Belly rhymes with jelly, allele, deli, smelly, telly, agostinelli, altobelli and angeli.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,981 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.