Blowball Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒผ
Add to dictionary

blowball

[หˆbloสŠหŒbษ”หl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

plant name

A blowball is a common name for a dandelion flower when it has gone to seed. It refers to the fluffy, spherical cluster of seeds that are ready to be dispersed by the wind. The seeds can be blown away from the parent plant when someone blows on the blowball.

Synonyms

dandelion, puffball, seedhead.

Examples of usage

  • The children enjoyed blowing the seeds from the blowball.
  • In spring, the fields are filled with bright yellow dandelions, which later become blowballs.
  • After the rain, we found many blowballs in the garden, sparkling with droplets.

Translations

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

Origin of 'blowball'

The term 'blowball' is derived from the combination of the words 'blow' and 'ball.' The word 'blow' comes from Old English 'blฤwan,' which means to expel air with a force, and 'ball' comes from the Old French 'bal,' which denotes a round object. The use of the term 'blowball' primarily refers to the dandelion in its seed stage, where the cluster of seeds resembles a ball and can be easily dispersed when blown on. The word reflects the action of blowing and the physical appearance of the seed head. This simple, compound name vividly captures the essence of this ubiquitous plant, commonly found in gardens and fields across Europe and North America. Dandelions and their blowballs have both delighted and frustrated gardeners for centuries, symbolizing both beauty and the persistence of nature.