blimp

¹ American  

[blimp] / blɪmp /

noun

1. a small, nonrigid airship or dirigible, especially one used chiefly for observation.

2. Slang. a fat person.

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verb phrase

1. blimp out to eat too much.

Blimp ² American  

[blimp] / blɪmp /

(sometimes lowercase)

1. Colonel Blimp.

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blimp ¹ British  

/ blɪmp /

noun

1. a small nonrigid airship, esp one used for observation or as a barrage balloon

2. films a soundproof cover fixed over a camera during shooting

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blimp ² British  

/ blɪmp /

noun

1. Also called: Colonel Blimp.  (often capital) a person, esp a military officer, who is stupidly complacent and reactionary

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Etymology

Origin of blimp¹

First recorded in 1915–20; of uncertain origin

Origin of Blimp²

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

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

Now, as a flight instructor, Sintora flies in planes over and around the blimp all the time, and he hopes to one day perhaps mix business with pleasure as a pilot for the blimp.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025

But like the blimp itself, the club began to slowly and steadily take off.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025

In fleeting moments, when the blimp would begin to budge, you could almost hear faint cheers for stronger gusts.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025

The burning question is: is the universe more like a giant ever-enlarging blimp, or does it pulsate, does it expand and contract?

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• zeppelin