congest

verb

con·​gest kən-ˈjest 

congested; congesting; congests

transitive verb

1

: to concentrate in a small or narrow space

2

: to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (such as an organ or part)

3

: clog

traffic congested the highways

intransitive verb

: to become congested

congestion

kən-ˈjes-chən 

-ˈjesh-

noun

congestive

kən-ˈje-stiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• obstruct
• block

Examples of congest in a Sentence

the usual weekend traffic congested the region's highways

Recent Examples on the Web

The signature ingredient, however, is the brand’s plum complex—the sister founders of Le Prunier use materials from their family’s century-old plum farm—to support collagen production, skin barrier health, and hydration without congesting pores. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025

Currently, the Wedgewood-Houston area is congested with new construction seemingly on every corner, but Williams said accessing the venue and parking will be easy by the time the venue opens next fall. —Melonee Hurt, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Oct. 2025

America does not need more trucks congesting roads in large population centers. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025

Keep in mind, traffic is congested in and around USBS on concert nights and the nearby Armory has electronic dance music star Crankdat booked Friday night, further adding to the crush. —Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin congestus, past participle of congerere to bring together, from com- + gerere to bear

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for congest

• abreast
• accessed
• addressed
• appressed
• armrest
• arrest
• assessed
• attest
• backrest
• behest
• bequest
• caressed

Kids Definition

congest

verb

con·​gest kən-ˈjest 

1

: to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (as an organ or body part)

2

: to block by filling too full : clog, overcrowd

congested streets

congestion

-ˈjes-chən 

-ˈjesh-

noun