bellow

verb

bel·​low ˈbe-(ˌ)lō 

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

Synonyms

• boom
• growl
• roar
• thunder

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

The buffalo bellows with rage — but the peaceful hippo just feeds and sleeps. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 13 Dec. 2024

Related article With swastika flags and bellowed slurs, neo-Nazi marchers strode through Columbus. —Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024

The item joins a mint-green stove, bellows sweeper, sausage grinder, wringer washing machine and other appliances — all with cards that bear the names of the pieces' donors or makers. —Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Sep. 2024

Fallen minister Gene Hackman and no-nonsense cop Ernest Borgnine try to lead the survivors to safety, with many freak accidents and bellowing at the heavens along the way. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 July 2024

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

Kids Definition

bellow

verb

bel·​low ˈbel-ō 

: to make a deep loud roar like that of a bull

bellow noun

Biographical Definition

Bellow

biographical name

Bel·​low ˈbe-(ˌ)lō 

Saul 1915–2005 American (Canadian-born) writer