blimp

¹

[ blimp ]

noun

1. a small, nonrigid airship or dirigible, especially one used chiefly for observation.
2. Slang. a fat person.

verb phrase

1. Slang. to eat too much.

Blimp

²

[ blimp ]

(sometimes lowercase)

1. Colonel Blimp.

blimp

¹

/ blɪmp /

noun

1. a small nonrigid airship, esp one used for observation or as a barrage balloon
2. films a soundproof cover fixed over a camera during shooting

blimp

²

/ blɪmp /

noun

1. often capital a person, esp a military officer, who is stupidly complacent and reactionary Also calledColonel Blimp

Word History and Origins

Origin of blimp¹

First recorded in 1915–20; of uncertain origin

Origin of blimp²

First recorded in 1930–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of blimp¹

C20: probably from ( type ) B-limp

Origin of blimp²

C20: after a character created by Sir David Low (1891–1963), New Zealand-born British political cartoonist

Example Sentences

“I’m more conservative, but I’m not a typical Colonel Blimp,” Munger said in 1996, referring to the jingoistic, reactionary British cartoon character.

From Los Angeles Times

This was the visit where the famous Trump Baby Blimp was flown over the streets of London, cheered on by tens of thousands of protesters.

From Salon

He considered Technicolor films like “The Red Shoes,” “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp” and “A Matter of Life and Death” to be masterpieces.

From Seattle Times

Powell and Pressburger, known as the Archers, made the much-admired classics “The Red Shoes,” “A Matter of Life and Death,” “Black Narcissus” and “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.”

From Seattle Times

Others have suggested filling the Goodyear Blimp, which has a base in the city, with Febreze, or a water-dropping helicopter with Lysol.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• zeppelin