billabong

[ bil-uh-bawng, -bong ]

noun

, Australian.

1. a branch of a river flowing away from the main stream but leading to no other body of water; a blind or dead-end channel.
2. a creek bed holding water only in the rainy season; a dried-up watercourse.
3. a stagnant backwater or slough formed by receding floodwater.

billabong

/ ˈbɪləˌbɒŋ /

noun

1. a backwater channel that forms a lagoon or pool
2. a branch of a river running to a dead end

Word History and Origins

Origin of billabong¹

1830–40; < Wiradjuri bilabaŋ creek that runs only during the rainy season, equivalent to bila river + baŋ possessive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of billabong¹

C19: from a native Australian language, from billa river + bong dead

Example Sentences

He and Mitchell fished along the Billabong all the afternoon; I fished a little, and lay about the camp and read.

From Project Gutenberg

I thought you'd sing anthems on the very word Billabong all through the voyage, especially in your bath.

From Project Gutenberg

So they passed through Cunjee, and wheeled to the right towards the open country—the country that meant Billabong.

From Project Gutenberg

Only, motors and Billabong don't go hand in hand—we've always stuck to horses, haven't we, Mr. Jim?

From Project Gutenberg

The years had brought a good deal of sober sense to Bosun and Monarch, but motors were still unfamiliar objects on Billabong.

From Project Gutenberg