Definition of: belly

(bel′ē) noun plural bel·lies
1. Anat. a The anterior part of a vertebrate body, extending from the sternum to the pelvis and containing the organs below the diaphragm. b The under part of a quadruped or lower animal. c The abdomen. d The protuberance of a bulging muscle.
2. The stomach and its associated organs.
3. Appetite.
4. Anything resembling a belly; as, the belly of a flask, the belly of a wind-filled sail.
5. The sounding box of certain stringed instruments, as the violin, viola, etc.
6. Obs. The womb.
—v.t. & v.i. bel·lied, bel·ly·ing To swell out or fill, as a sail. [OE belg, belig bag]