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

Holiday traffic congested the highways.

intransitive verb

: to become congested

congestion

kən-ˈjes-chən 

-ˈjesh-

noun

congestive

kən-ˈje-stiv 

adjective

Synonyms of congest

• obstruct
• block

Examples of congest in a Sentence

the usual weekend traffic congested the region's highways

Recent Examples on the Web

Streets are expected to be congested during the festival, but getting there could be a bit easier by using water taxis. —Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026

Spring break begins Monday for public schools across metro Atlanta, which means the roads and airport will be congested Friday with families trying to skip town for sun and fun. —Emma Hurt, AJC.com, 2 Apr. 2026

Traffic to enter and exit the subdivision is often congested during rush hour. —March 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026

Triolet said traffic is a valid concern in the area, which is already congested. —Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026

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