Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by great swelling waves or surges: Describes something, typically a large mass like clouds, smoke, or water, that is moving in a large, rolling, and swelling manner, creating a voluminous and undulating appearance.

Usage

• The word "billowing" is used to describe the dynamic, voluminous movement of something soft, fluid, or gaseous. It often conveys a sense of grandeur, power, or graceful expansion. It is primarily used as an adjective before a noun or as a predicate adjective.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The billowing storm clouds darkened the sky. (The clouds were swelling and rolling dramatically.)
  • She watched the billowing sails of the ship as it caught the wind. (The sails were filled with wind and swelling out.)
  • Smoke from the campfire was billowing into the still air. (The smoke was rising and spreading out in large, rolling waves.)

Advanced Usage

• "Billowing" as a visual metaphor: Can be used figuratively to describe anything that seems to swell or flow in a similar manner.
  • The billowing curtains danced in the breeze from the open window.
  • A billowing sense of pride filled her as she accepted the award.

Variants and Related Words

• Billow (verb): To rise or roll in large waves; to swell out.
  • The sails billow in the strong wind.
• Billowy (adjective): Resembling or characterized by billows; swelling.
  • They lay on the billowy dunes of sand.

Synonyms

• Surging: Moving in or like powerful waves.
• Swelling: Increasing in size or volume.
• Rolling: Moving in a continuous, undulating motion.
• Undulating: Having a wavy form or appearance.

Antonyms

• Calm: Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions; (of water) not disturbed by waves.
• Flat: Smooth and even; without marked slopes or elevations.
• Still: Not moving or making a sound.

Related Phrases

• Billow out: To swell outward or puff out. (This is a use of the verb "billow" with the particle "out").
  • Her skirt billowed out as she spun around.

Adjective

1. characterized by great swelling waves or surges
   • billowy storm clouds
   • the restless billowing sea
   • surging waves