What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stomach
Example
My stomach is growling. I must be hungry. [stomach: noun]
Example
She couldn't eat anything because her stomach was upset. [stomach: noun]
Example
He punched me in the stomach and knocked the wind out of me. [stomach: noun]
belly
Example
He has a big belly from eating too much junk food. [belly: noun]
Example
The cat lay on its back, exposing its soft belly. [belly: noun]
Example
She rubbed her pregnant belly, feeling the baby kick. [belly: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Belly is more commonly used than stomach in everyday language, especially in informal contexts. Stomach is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stomach and belly?
Stomach is more formal than belly, which is more casual and informal. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
