1 C1 idiomatic neutral
Of fabric, a sail, or similar material: to swell outward in a curved, rounded shape due to wind or pressure.
"The yacht's mainsail bellied out as the wind picked up across the bay."
inseparable
belly out
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To swell outward in a rounded, bulging shape, like a sail filled with wind.
In plain English
When something puffs out and gets round and big in the middle, like a balloon being blown up.
What does "belly out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
Of clothing or a garment: to hang or protrude outward in a loose, rounded way.
"His shirt bellied out in the breeze as he ran across the field."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To push outward like a belly (stomach) does when full.
Actually means
When something puffs out and gets round and big in the middle, like a balloon being blown up.
Usage tip
Mostly used to describe sails, fabric, or similar flexible surfaces. Rare in everyday speech; more common in nautical or literary contexts.
Words that pair with "belly out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
sail canvas sheet curtain parachute fabric
How to conjugate "belly out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
belly out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bellies out
he/she/it
Past simple
bellied out
yesterday
Past participle
bellied out
have + pp
-ing form
bellying out
continuous
Hear "belly out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "belly out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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