balloon
UK: bəˈluːn | US: bəˈluːn
n. a flexible bag filled with air or gas, often used for decoration or flight
n. (in drawing) a rounded outline containing words or thoughts in a comic
vt. to inflate or swell like a balloon
balloon = ball<round object> + oon<augmentative suffix>
- ball: From Old French bal or Latin balla (ball), referring to a spherical shape.
- oon: An augmentative suffix of French origin (-on), implying enlargement or exaggeration.
Etymology Origin:
The word balloon entered English in the late 16th century from French ballon, derived from Italian pallone (large ball). Its core idea—a "large ball" filled with air—reflects its original use for inflatable play objects and later for flight. The suffix -oon emphasizes the inflated, expanded nature of the object, aligning with its playful and buoyant connotations.
The children released a colorful balloon into the sky.
She drew a speech balloon next to the comic character.
His cheeks ballooned as he blew air into the rubber tube.
The festival was brightened by hundreds of helium balloons.
The budget ballooned unexpectedly due to overspending.