smoke billows

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Thick smoke moves upward and outward in large rolling clouds, especially from a fire or explosion.

   Grammar: Used with a plural subject 'billows' (or 'billowed' in the past); the subject is usually 'smoke', 'black smoke' or 'flames'.

   Patterns

   • smoke billows from something
   • smoke billows out of something
   • smoke billows into the sky

   Black smoke billowed from the roof of the warehouse as firefighters arrived.

   After the explosion, smoke billowed into the sky and could be seen for miles.

   Smoke was billowing out of the open windows when we drove past.

2. 2verbintransitiveliterary

   To rise and roll in thick, heavy clouds, the way smoke or steam does.

   Grammar: No object; the subject is usually smoke, steam, dust or a similar substance, often followed by 'from', 'out of' or 'into'.

   Patterns

   • something billows from something
   • something billows into something
   • something billows upward

   Steam billowed from the kettle as soon as the water boiled.

   Dust billowed up from the road behind the truck.

   The curtain billowed in the wind coming through the open door.

Word forms

Common combinations

thick black smoke

Thick black smoke billowed from the burning building.

smoke billows from a building

Smoke billowed from the building for hours before the fire was controlled.

smoke billows into the sky

Smoke billowed into the sky after the explosion at the plant.

smoke billows out of a window

Smoke billowed out of the upstairs window.

billowing clouds

Billowing clouds of smoke covered the valley.

Synonyms and how they differ

pours

'Smoke pours from a place' suggests a steady, heavy flow, while 'billows' emphasizes the rolling, cloud-like movement.

rises

'Smoke rises' is plainer and more neutral; use it when you just mean it goes up, not that it rolls in clouds.

rolls

'Smoke rolls' focuses on the rolling motion; 'billows' is stronger and suggests bigger, thicker clouds.

Word family

billow noun

A large rolling mass of smoke, cloud, steam or cloth.

billowing adjective

Moving in large rolling masses, as of smoke or cloth.

billowy adjective

Full of large rolling masses, often describing clouds or sails.

Commonly confused: smoke billows or below? smoke billows or billows?

Practice

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