Balloon Definition, Meaning and Synonyms

A balloon is a large, sturdy bag filled with hot air or gas to lift a basket or container for carrying passengers, used in ballooning.

In finance, a balloon payment is a large, lump-sum payment scheduled at the end of a series of considerably smaller periodic payments.

In design, a balloon skirt refers to a type of skirt that puffs out and then gathers back in at the hemline, resembling the shape of a balloon.

A balloon is a flexible bag that can be inflated with gas like helium, air, or hydrogen, often used for decoration or as a toy.

In medical terminology, a balloon catheter is a type of catheter with an inflatable balloon that is used to expand or open a passageway within the body.

In technology, "balloon" refers to a message that appears on a computer screen to provide information or instructions, often resembling a comic strip speech bubble.

In cartoons or comic strips, a balloon is a rounded outline enclosing words representing speech or thought.

A flexible bag designed to be inflated with hot air or with a gas, such as helium, that is lighter than the surrounding air, causing it to rise and float in the atmosphere.

Such a bag with sufficient capacity to lift and transport a suspended gondola or other load.

Become larger in size or volume.

To swell or cause to swell.

To become larger or rounder in size, typically as a result of an accumulation of fluid.

To cause to increase in size or volume as a result of internal pressure; expand.

To fill with air; to inflate.

To swell or distend.

To make larger or more extensive.

Increase or intensify.

Fill with air and swell outward.

Swell as a result of pressure from inside.

This is a less common idiom meaning to be in a state of alert or to be ready for action.

This phrase means to expand or increase rapidly in size or amount.

This idiom means that a situation has suddenly become very serious or troublesome.

To propose an idea or plan to see how people will react to it before it is implemented.

This phrase is often used to describe someone who talks a lot but does little or someone who is full of empty promises.

While not a figurative idiom, this term can metaphorically describe a competitive situation where participants are trying to outdo each other in a relatively peaceful or playful manner.

A balloon payment refers to a large, lump-sum payment scheduled at the end of a series of considerably smaller periodic payments.

This means to reveal a secret or to let something become known.

This term is used to describe the phenomenon where a problem that is squeezed in one area pops up in another, often used in discussions about drug enforcement or policy.

This means to grow or expand rapidly into a more significant condition or situation.

At the carnival, children clutched tightly to their balloon animals, marveling at the shapes.

Her excitement was as if she had let go of a string and watched her worries float away like a balloon.

During the procedure, the doctor inflated the balloon catheter to clear the blockage.

The helium balloons floated to the ceiling of the party hall.

We plan to take a balloon ride over the valley next summer.

Balloon pants are making a comeback in fashion trends this season.

The loan's final balloon payment was more than they had anticipated, causing some budget concerns.

A notification balloon appeared, reminding her of the upcoming meeting.

The bride's dress had a distinctive balloon hem that added a modern flair to her look.

The child watched in dismay as his balloon slipped from his hand and soared into the sky.

At the end of the party, each child was given a balloon to take home.

Balloon arches marked the entrance to the grand opening of the new store.

The word "balloon" originates from the French word "ballon" meaning large ball, which itself came from the Italian "ballone" or from the Latin "balla" meaning ball. This etymology reflects the object's round shape and its early use in ball games before its association with the inflatable object we know today.

"Balloon" can function as both a noun and a verb in a sentence. As a noun, it refers to the inflatable object or a hot air balloon. As a verb, it indicates the action of expanding or swelling in size. Example as a noun: The balloon floated away. Example as a verb: Her skirt ballooned in the wind.

Yes, "balloon" can be pluralized to "balloons" to refer to more than one of these objects. Example: The sky was filled with balloons during the festival.

"Balloon" is spelled B-A-L-L-O-O-N. It is important to remember the double "l" and double "o" for correct spelling.

When someone's hopes "balloon," it means their hopes or expectations increase significantly and possibly to an unrealistic level. Example: Her hopes ballooned when she was shortlisted for the job interview.

"Balloon" has several meanings, including an inflatable object filled with gas for decoration or fun, a hot air balloon used for flying, a type of mortgage with a large payment due at the end, and a speech bubble in comics. It also refers to rapid expansion or increase in size or amount.

A "trial balloon" is an intentional leak or tentative proposal made to gauge the reaction of an audience or to test the viability of an idea or policy. Example: The government floated a trial balloon to assess public opinion on the new tax reform.

A balloon payment is a large, lump-sum payment due at the end of a loan term, especially in a mortgage or other financial agreement. It signifies the final payment that covers the remaining principal balance of the loan. Example: They were preparing for the balloon payment of their mortgage to own their house outright.

Originally referring to a ball or sphere, the use of "balloon" has evolved to include inflatable objects for play or decoration, vehicles for aerial travel, and metaphorical uses indicating expansion or inflation. Example: The invention of the hot air balloon in the 18th century marked a significant evolution in the word's association with flight.

The "balloon effect" in drug policy refers to the observation that efforts to suppress the drug trade in one area often result in its increase in another area, as if squeezing a balloon in one place causes it to expand elsewhere. Example: Efforts to clamp down on drug production in one country led to a balloon effect, with production simply moving to a neighboring country.

Yes, "balloon" is often used metaphorically to describe something that expands rapidly or is inflated, such as prices, costs, or even hopes. Example: After the announcement, the stock prices ballooned.

Yes, "balloon" can be used in a negative context, especially when referring to something undesirable that expands or increases rapidly, such as debt or problems. Example: Their debts ballooned after several unwise investments.

In health and medicine, "balloon" refers to a medical device, such as a balloon catheter, which is used to open up blocked or narrowed vessels or passageways within the body. Example: The doctor used a balloon catheter to treat the artery blockage.

In sports, "ballooning" might not directly refer to a specific activity but can describe a ball that is hit or kicked high into the air in an uncontrolled manner. Example: His shot ballooned over the crossbar, missing the goal.

While "balloon" primarily functions as a noun and verb, it can be part of compound adjectives describing something related to or resembling a balloon, such as "balloon-like" or in specific phrases like "balloon skirt." Example: She wore a balloon dress that puffed out dramatically at the waist.