Billowy: meaning, definitions and examples

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billowy

 

[ ˈbɪloʊi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing clouds

Billowy refers to something that has the characteristics of billows, or large, fluffy waves or clouds. It is often used to describe things that rise and fall in a soft and curvy manner. The term evokes a sense of lightness and movement, often found in fabrics like curtains or in natural elements like clouds. In literature, 'billowy' can impart an image of softness, gentleness, and fluidity.

Synonyms

fluffy, puffy, undulating, wave-like

Examples of usage

  • The billowy clouds drifted across the sky.
  • She wore a billowy dress that swayed gracefully in the breeze.
  • The ocean's billowy waves crashed against the shore.

Translations

Translations of the word "billowy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ondulante

🇮🇳 लहरदार

🇩🇪 wellig

🇮🇩 bergelombang

🇺🇦 хвилястий

🇵🇱 falisty

🇯🇵 波状の

🇫🇷 ondulant

🇪🇸 ondulante

🇹🇷 dalgalı

🇰🇷 물결치는

🇸🇦 متموج

🇨🇿 vlnitý

🇸🇰 vlnitý

🇨🇳 波浪状的

🇸🇮 valovit

🇮🇸 bylgjótt

🇰🇿 толқынды

🇬🇪 მოწნული

🇦🇿 dalğalı

🇲🇽 ondulante

Etymology

The word 'billowy' has its origins in the early 14th century, derived from the Middle English word 'bilewe', which referred to a swelling or surge. This, in turn, comes from the Old English 'bilew', meaning a wave or billow, and is related to the Old Norse 'bila', which means to burst or explode. The term has been in use for centuries to describe the movement of water and air, characterized by a rolling or swelling motion. As language evolved, 'billowy' found its way into descriptions of not just natural elements like clouds and ocean waves, but also in fashion and textiles to capture the essence of softness and elegance. Its poetic connotations make it a favored adjective among writers and poets, who use it to evoke imagery of serenity and grace.