balloon

/bəˈlun/
adjective
  1. Resembling a balloon in shape; round and inflated.
    • She wore a balloon skirt that puffed out at the hips.
    • The balloon sleeves on her dress were very fashionable.
    • The chef served a balloon-shaped soufflé.
noun
  1. A small, thin, rubber bag that is inflated with air or gas and used as a decoration or toy.
    • The clown twisted a balloon into the shape of a dog.
    • She tied a string to the balloon so it wouldn't float away.
    • The children each received a red balloon at the birthday party.
  2. A large bag filled with hot air or gas that can rise and float in the atmosphere, often used for travel or scientific research.
    • Scientists launched a weather balloon to measure atmospheric pressure.
    • The hot air balloon rose slowly above the valley at sunrise.
    • They took a ride in a balloon over the countryside.
  3. A rounded outline containing text or dialogue in a comic strip or cartoon.
    • The character's speech balloon showed what he was thinking.
    • She drew a thought balloon above the dog's head.
    • The comic artist carefully placed each balloon to guide the reader's eye.
verb
  1. To swell out or become larger, often suddenly or rapidly.
    • His debt ballooned after he lost his job.
    • The population of the city ballooned during the gold rush.
    • The sails ballooned in the strong wind.
  2. To travel or ride in a balloon.
    • She has always wanted to balloon across the Alps.
    • The adventurer ballooned around the world in a record time.
    • They plan to balloon over the desert next spring.
What does "balloon" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean