\Bal*loon"\, n. [F. ballon, aug. of balle ball: cf. It.
ballone. See 1st {Ball}, n., and cf. {Pallone}.]
1. A bag made of silk or other light material, and filled
   with hydrogen gas or heated air, so as to rise and float
   in the atmosphere; especially, one with a car attached for
   a["e]rial navigation.
2. (Arch.) A ball or globe on the top of a pillar, church,
   etc., as at St. Paul's, in London. [R.]
3. (Chem.) A round vessel, usually with a short neck, to hold
   or receive whatever is distilled; a glass vessel of a
   spherical form.
4. (Pyrotechnics) A bomb or shell. [Obs.]
5. A game played with a large inflated ball. [Obs.]
6. (Engraving) The outline inclosing words represented as
   coming from the mouth of a pictured figure.
{Air balloon}, a balloon for a["e]rial navigation.
{Balloon frame} (Carp.), a house frame constructed altogether
   of small timber.
{Balloon net}, a variety of woven lace in which the weft
   threads are twisted in a peculiar manner around the warp.

\Bal*loon"\, v. t.
To take up in, or as if in, a balloon.

\Bal*loon"\, v. i.
1. To go up or voyage in a balloon.
2. To expand, or puff out, like a balloon.