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

Traffic patterns near Hard Rock Stadium can get congested immediately after major events, so building in extra time or waiting out the initial rush is a good idea. —Taylor Haught, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026

Teams are now looking to congest central areas to slow down United’s fondness for quick one-twos and clever passing triangles. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

The reason Lakeland might be so popular could be due to its close connection to urban areas, while also not being congested. —Molly Burford, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026

Around Springfield, too, I-55 is congested and hazardous, while in rural areas its monotonous straightaways invite motorists to floor it. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 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