belly

bel-ly · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The front part of the human body below the chest, containing the stomach and intestines.

  2. 2.

    The stomach as the seat of hunger.

  3. 3.

    The underside of an animal.

  4. 4.

    A bulging or rounded part of something.

Forms

plural: bellies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    belly up — Go bankrupt; fail.
  • •
    belly laugh — A deep, hearty laugh.
  • •
    beer belly — A protruding stomach from drinking beer.
  • •
    belly button — The navel.
  • •
    belly of the beast — The most dangerous or unpleasant part.
  • •
    fire in one's belly — Strong motivation or determination.

Related words

See also: abdomen, gut, stomach
Synonyms: abdomen, gut, stomach, tummy

Etymology

From Old English belg, bælg ("bag, bellows, belly"), from Proto-Germanic balgiz. Related to German Balg ("bellows").