# bellied

/ˈbɛɫid/ (US) · /bˈɛlɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bellied
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

to have a rounded or swollen stomach. It is often used to describe animals or people who are pregnant or have a large belly.

For teachers: to have a rounded or distended abdomen. Often used in a literary or descriptive context to refer to the physical appearance of a person or animal.

## Examples

- The cat looked bellied as it lay on the warm rug.
- The old sailor had a bellied stomach that seemed to sag slightly as he walked across the deck.
- The poet described the moon as a bellied orb hanging low over the horizon, casting a pale, silver glow across the sleeping valley.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.