balloon
pronunciation
How to pronounce balloon in British English:
UK [bəˈluːn]
How to pronounce balloon in American English:
US [bəˈluːn]
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- Noun:
- small thin inflatable rubber bag with narrow neck
- large tough non-rigid bag filled with gas or heated air
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- Verb:
- ride in a hot-air balloon
- become inflated
Word Origin
- balloon
- balloon: see ball
- balloon (n.)
- 1570s, "a game played with a large inflated leather ball," from Italian pallone "large ball," from palla "ball," from a Germanic source akin to Langobardic palla (from Proto-Germanic *ball-, from PIE *bhel- (2) "to blow, swell;" see bole) + -one, suffix indicating great size. Perhaps also borrowed in part from French ballon (16c.), altered (after balle) from Italian pallone. It also meant the ball itself (1590s), which was batted back and forth by means of large wooden paddles strapped to the forearms. In 17c., it also meant "a type of fireworks housed in a pasteboard ball" (1630s) and "round ball used as an architectural ornament" (1650s). Acquired modern meaning after Montgolfier brothers' flights, 1783. As a child's toy, it is attested from 1848; as "outline containing words in a comic engraving" it dates from 1844. Also see -oon.
- balloon (v.)
- "to go up in a balloon," 1792; "to swell, puff up," 1841, from balloon (n.). Related: Ballooned; ballooning.
Example
- 1. Mr. park said the balloon flight wednesday would go ahead .
- 2. Borrowing has continued to balloon .
- 3. All told council membership might balloon to 25 states or more .
- 4. Underneath this balloon was the tiny steel sphere holding the pilots .
- 5. Think of the universe as an empty balloon with dots on it .