noun
bellows
BEHL-ohz
Bellows (noun) means a hand-operated device that pumps a blast of air when squeezed, used to fan a fire or power an instrument like an accordion. Example: “He pumped the bellows to get the campfire blazing.”
noun
1
A hand-operated device that pumps a blast of air when squeezed, used to fan a fire or power an instrument like an accordion.
"He pumped the bellows to get the campfire blazing."
2
Informally, the lungs.
"After the marathon his bellows were burning."
How to use bellows
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA squeeze-operated tool for pumping air, classically used to stoke a fire.
Memory tip
It looks plural but is normally treated as a single item — "a pair of bellows," like scissors.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a pair of bellows
pump the bellows
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- bellowses
- Past tense
- bellowsed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He pumped the _____ to get the campfire blazing.
Etymology
From an Old English word meaning "bag" or "skin" — related to "belly," since early bellows were essentially inflatable leather bags.
Rhymes for bellows
See all rhymes for bellows →Frequently asked questions
What does “bellows” mean?
The word “bellows” means a hand-operated device that pumps a blast of air when squeezed, used to fan a fire or power an instrument like an accordion. In plain terms, a squeeze-operated tool for pumping air, classically used to stoke a fire.
How do you pronounce “bellows”?
“Bellows” is pronounced BEHL-ohz (/ˈbɛl.oʊz/ in IPA).
How do you use “bellows” in a sentence?
Here is “bellows” used in a sentence: “He pumped the bellows to get the campfire blazing.”
What part of speech is “bellows”?
“Bellows” is a noun.
Where does the word “bellows” come from?
The word “bellows” comes from Old English. From an Old English word meaning "bag" or "skin" — related to "belly," since early bellows were essentially inflatable leather bags.
How many meanings does “bellows” have?
“Bellows” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hand-operated device that pumps a blast of air when squeezed, used to fan a fire or power an instrument like an accordion.
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