A blimp is a type of airship that is usually filled with helium gas. It is a non-rigid airship, meaning that it does not have a rigid structure like other airships. Instead, it relies on the pressure of the gas inside the envelope to maintain its shape.
Definitions
The term blimp has several definitions. It can refer to a type of airship, as mentioned above, or it can be used to describe a person who is overweight or obese. In British English, blimp can also be used as a derogatory term for someone who is conservative or reactionary.
Origin
The word blimp is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It is thought to be an onomatopoeic word, meaning that it was coined to sound like the sound that a non-rigid airship makes when it is deflated.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a blimp is “a nonrigid airship that has no internal supporting framework and that typically has a streamlined shape with its main volume enclosed in a single gas bag.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines blimp as “a small non-rigid airship, typically one used for advertising or as a camera platform.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines blimp as “a large balloon filled with gas that can be controlled and moved through the air, used especially for advertising.”
Associations
Blimps are often associated with advertising, as they are frequently used to display messages or logos in the sky. They are also used for aerial photography and surveillance.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for blimp include airship, dirigible, and zeppelin.
Antonyms
There are no true antonyms for blimp, as it is a specific type of airship. However, one could use the terms rigid airship or balloon to describe a different type of aircraft.
The same root words
The word blimp does not have any root words, as it is a modern word that was coined in the early 20th century.
Example Sentences
- The blimp floated silently through the sky, its message visible for miles.
- The company hired a blimp to advertise their new product.
- The photographer used a blimp to capture aerial shots of the city.
- The politician was criticized for his blimpish views on social issues.
- The blimp slowly deflated as the helium gas escaped.