bellows

¹

[bel-ohz, -uhz]

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a device for producing a strong current of air, consisting of a chamber that can be expanded to draw in air through a valve and contracted to expel it through a tube.

2. anything resembling or suggesting bellows in form, as the collapsible part of a camera or enlarger.

3. the lungs.

Bellows

²

[bel-ohz]

noun

1. George Wesley, 1882–1925, U.S. painter and lithographer.

bellows

/ ˈbɛləʊz /

noun

1. Also called: pair of bellows. an instrument consisting of an air chamber with flexible sides or end, a means of compressing it, an inlet valve, and a constricted outlet that is used to create a stream of air, as for producing a draught for a fire or for sounding organ pipes

2. photog a telescopic light-tight sleeve, connecting the lens system of some cameras to the body of the instrument

3. a flexible corrugated element used as an expansion joint, pump, or means of transmitting axial motion

Other Word Forms

• bellowslike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bellows¹

before 900; Middle English bel(o ) wes (plural), Old English belg, short for blǣst belg, plural belgas blast-bag; cognate with Dutch blaasbalg, German Blasebalg, Old Norse belgr. See belly

Word History and Origins

Origin of bellows¹

C16: from plural of Old English belig _belly

Example Sentences

There, a crane is lowering a helicopter onto the huge deck of a ship, as a marching band bellows in Suoyuwan park.

From BBC

The Black Panther Party is a place where a furious Black man bellows at him about stuff while Jenny’s no-good boyfriend punches her.

From Salon

A red deer stag bellows during the autumn rut at Bradgate Park, as captured by Miss Smart from a safe distance.

From BBC

He bellows 'Vamos' when big moments go his way in matches and also regularly shows his emotion by breaking out into beaming smiles.

From BBC

“TUPELO!” the crowd bellows back in anticipatory response.

From Salon