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Antonyms for balloon

Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : buh-loon
Phonetic Transcription : bəˈlun

Definition of balloon

Origin :
  • 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 cf. -oon.
  • noun inflated material or vehicle
  • verb billow out; bloat
Example sentences :
  • We are always, metaphorically, going up or coming down in a balloon.
  • Extract from : « The Roof of France » by Matilda Betham-Edwards
  • The first balloon ascent was made from this little town in 1783.
  • Extract from : « The Roof of France » by Matilda Betham-Edwards
  • Our journey must now be compared to the descent from cloud-land in a balloon.
  • Extract from : « The Roof of France » by Matilda Betham-Edwards
  • We was used to the balloon now and not afraid any more, and didn't want to be anywheres else.
  • Extract from : « Tom Sawyer Abroad » by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
  • Well, up in a balloon there ain't any of that, and it's the darlingest place there is.
  • Extract from : « Tom Sawyer Abroad » by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
  • Who is going to say whether an applicant is competent to pilot a balloon or airship?
  • Extract from : « Flying Machines » by W.J. Jackman and Thos. H. Russell
  • This balloon is a good enough reason it could happen, I should reckon.
  • Extract from : « Tom Sawyer Abroad » by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
  • The balloon was then to the right of the station, and far from the amiable station-master.
  • Extract from : « My Double Life » by Sarah Bernhardt
  • There is a carriage for you and these gentlemen, and another for the body of the balloon.
  • Extract from : « My Double Life » by Sarah Bernhardt
  • I saw only the lower end of our balloon, which was overhanging its base, all loose and baggy.
  • Extract from : « My Double Life » by Sarah Bernhardt

Synonyms for balloon

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019