balloon

/bəˈluːn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: balloons · ballooning · ballooned

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An inflatable buoyant object, often (but not necessarily) round and flexible.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Such an object as a child’s toy or party decoration.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To increase or expand rapidly.

Verb

Examples

His stomach ballooned from eating such a large meal.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To go up or voyage in a balloon.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “balloon” mean?

An inflatable buoyant object, often (but not necessarily) round and flexible.

Is “balloon” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.