bellow

verb

bel·​low ˈbe-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce bellow (audio)
bellowed; bellowing; bellows

intransitive verb

1
: to make the loud deep hollow sound characteristic of a bull
2
: to shout in a deep voice

transitive verb

: bawl
bellows the orders
bellow noun

Examples of bellow in a Sentence

He bellowed at her to come over at once. He was bellowing into the phone, giving orders to one of his employees. The sergeant was bellowing orders.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Black bellowed before revealing himself to theatergoers, who cheered and applauded in recognition. Shania Russell, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Fans bellowed every time Young took a heel-to-stage bounce down the catwalk, and Johnson’s moves were equally electrifying. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 So far, the racing has been continued despite bellowing smoke just 3 miles from the track. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025 On the yacht to the Full Moon Party with Chelsea and Charlotte Le Bon’s Chloe, now temporarily out from under the brooding eye of Gary/Greg (Jon Gries), Saxon bellows his philosophy of life. Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bellow

Word History

Etymology

Middle English belwen, from Old English bylgian; akin to Old English & Old High German bellan to roar

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bellow was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bellow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bellow. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

bellow

verb
bel·​low ˈbel-ō How to pronounce bellow (audio)
: to make a deep loud roar like that of a bull
bellow noun

Biographical Definition

Bellow

biographical name

Bel·​low ˈbe-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce Bellow (audio)
Saul 1915–2005 American (Canadian-born) writer

More from Merriam-Webster on bellow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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