a small, nonrigid airship or dirigible, especially one used chiefly for observation.
Slang. a fat person.
a small nonrigid airship, esp one used for observation or as a barrage balloon
films a soundproof cover fixed over a camera during shooting
First recorded in 1915–20; of uncertain origin
First recorded in 1930–35
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When I think of Donald Trump, I envision a blimp flying overhead with huge flashing lights blazing “The world is yours!”
From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026
The blimp even posted a heartfelt confession about its rigidity on Instagram, on which its account has amassed almost 200,000 followers.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025
Goodyear offers passenger rides through charity auctions, sweepstakes, corporate partnerships and other invitations, but the opportunities are rare, with only 0.0006% of Americans able to claim they have flown in the famed blimp.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025
Richeson created the Facebook group when she lived in Torrance, where she and her husband would often see the blimp en route to its base in nearby Carson.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025
Light shines everywhere: the lanterns and blimp screens and sky candles and a bright rising moon.
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
