groundswell

noun

ground·​swell ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel 

1

usually ground swell : a broad deep undulation of the ocean caused by an often distant gale or seismic disturbance

2

: a rapid spontaneous growth (as of political opinion)

a groundswell of support

Examples of groundswell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That may sound like a funny thing to say, in 2025, or in any year since the legendary rock singer-songwriter died in 2003, given a perennial underdog status that never augured for anything that would be likely to be called a posthumous groundswell, per se. —Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025

Last year Glamour reported that sales were up 34% in 2024—and the groundswell of interest in the silhouette has only grown with time. —Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025

What has been so encouraging this week is the groundswell of independent, credible public health and medical professionals from all around the world who shared their voices – everyone from the World Health Organization to local family doctors. —Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025

On the other hand, Howard Stern had stinging comments today over Kimmel going dark, and joined the groundswell of subscribers cancelling Disney+. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for groundswell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

ground swell

noun

: a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake