: any of numerous small widely distributed oscine birds (family Hirundinidae, the swallow family) that have a short bill, long pointed wings, and often a deeply forked tail and that feed on insects caught on the wing
2
: any of several birds that superficially resemble swallows
Verb
He swallowed the grape whole.
Chew your food well before you swallow.
The boss said, “Come in.” I swallowed hard and walked in.
Her story is pretty hard to swallow.
I can usually take criticism, but this is more than I can swallow. Noun (1)
drank the cool refreshing water in two swallows and held out her cup for more
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
The novel looks backward at a moment in American history when political and cultural upheaval had swallowed whole a generation’s homegrown sense of hope.—Rory Doherty, Time, 26 Sep. 2025 There’s a chance that the more powerful Humberto could swallow up the weaker storm, potentially steering impacts away from the Southeast Coast.—Alex Harris
updated September 25, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
This one is a tougher swallow, and the ceiling is considerably lower than in Tampa Bay, but the 2025 Steelers appear to be a far more legitimate enterprise than anyone expected.—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 Marcela took a long swallow and nodded to Jarda.—Zuzana Říhová, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for swallow
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English swalowen, from Old English swelgan; akin to Old High German swelgan to swallow
Noun (2)
Middle English swalowe, from Old English swealwe; akin to Old High German swalawa swallow
Share