Definition

Adjective: 1. Resembling or characterized by large, swelling waves or surges: Describing something that has the appearance or motion of large, rolling waves, often implying a sense of grandeur, movement, and volume. 2. Full of billows; surging: Specifically used to describe clouds, fabric, smoke, or bodies of water that rise, swell, and roll in a soft, voluminous, and undulating manner.

Usage Examples

• Describing Clouds:
  • The sky was filled with billowy white clouds drifting slowly.
  • We watched the billowy storm clouds gather on the horizon.
• Describing Fabric or Smoke:
  • She wore a dress made of billowy silk that flowed around her as she walked.
  • Billowy smoke poured from the chimney.
• Describing the Sea:
  • The ship sailed into the billowy, restless sea.
  • From the cliff, we gazed at the billowy ocean waves.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use for Sound or Emotion: Can be used metaphorically to describe something that swells and rolls like waves.
  • A billowy crescendo of music filled the concert hall.
  • She was overcome by a billowy wave of nostalgia.

Variants and Related Words

• Billow (verb/noun):
  • (Verb): To rise, swell, or surge outward in a large, rolling mass. The curtains billowed in the breeze.
  • (Noun): A great wave or surge of something, like the sea, smoke, or sound. A billow of smoke rose from the fire.
• Billowing (adjective/present participle):
  • Often used interchangeably with "billowy" to describe something swelling and rolling. The billowing sails of the ship.

Synonyms

• Swelling: Increasing in size or volume.
• Surging: Moving suddenly and powerfully forward or upward.
• Rolling: Moving in a deep, undulating manner.
• Puffy: Swollen and soft, often used for clouds.
• Undulating: Having a smooth, wavelike motion or appearance.

Antonyms

• Flat: Lacking curves or waves; smooth and level.
• Calm: Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions; (of water) not disturbed by waves.
• Still: Not moving or making a sound.
• Smooth: Having an even and regular surface; free from perceptible projections, lumps, or indentations.

Adjective

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