Definition

1. Verb:
   • To swell out or bulge out: To expand or protrude outward, often in a rounded manner, like the shape of a belly.

Usage

• This verb is typically used to describe how a flexible surface, such as fabric, a sail, or a part of the body, curves or bulges outward, usually due to pressure from within (like wind or air) or because of its shape.
• It is often used in an intransitive way, meaning it does not take a direct object. The thing that "bellies out" does so on its own.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The sails bellied out as the strong wind filled them.
  • The parachute bellied out beautifully after it was deployed.
  • Her shirt bellied out in the breeze.

Advanced Usage

• Nautical Context: Frequently used to describe sails or flags filling with wind and bulging forward.
  • The spinnaker bellied out, pulling the yacht forward at great speed.
• Descriptive Prose: Used in writing to vividly describe a rounded, protruding shape.
  • The curtains bellied out from the open window.

Variants and Related Words

• Belly (verb): The base form, meaning to swell or bulge out.
  • The canvas bellied in the storm.
• Bulge (verb): A close synonym meaning to swell or protrude.
• Swell (verb): To become larger or rounder in size, often from pressure.

Synonyms

• Bulge
• Swell
• Billow (especially for fabric or smoke)
• Pouch out
• Bag

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Belly up: This is a completely different phrasal verb meaning to fail or go bankrupt (e.g., ). Do not confuse with "belly out."

Related Idioms

• No common idioms directly use "belly out." The imagery is primarily literal, describing a physical bulging shape.

Verb

1. swell out or bulge out