Definition: A graphic device often seen in comic books, a balloon is a box, circle, or cloudlike shape that contains the words or thoughts of a character. These balloons come in many shapes. Typically an extended or pointed portion of the balloon or a straight line points to the character speaking. Cloud-shaped balloons often indicate what a character is thinking rather than what is being spoken.
Balloons can also be used as decorative elements enclosing call-outs or captions on photos and other illustrations.
Pronunciation: [bul-LOON]
Also Known As: speech balloon | speech bubble | thought balloon | thought bubble | text balloon | text bubble
