swell

verb \ ˈswel \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: swell in a Sentence

Definition of swell

swelled; swelled or swollen play \ˈswō-lən\; swelling

intransitive verb

1 a : to expand (as in size, volume, or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit

the population swelled

b : to become distended or puffed up

her ankle is badly swollen

c : to form a bulge or rounded elevation

2 a : to become filled with pride and arrogance

b : to behave or speak in a pompous, blustering, or self-important manner

c : to play the swell

3 : to become distended with emotion

transitive verb

1 : to affect with a powerful or expansive emotion

2 : to increase the size, number, or intensity of

swell the applicant pool

See swell defined for English-language learners

See swell defined for kids

Examples of swell in a Sentence

Her broken ankle swelled badly.
Heavy rains swelled the river.
The population has swelled in recent years.
The economy is swelling at an annual rate of five percent.
Immigrants have swelled the population.

Recent Examples of swell from the Web

After a traumatic injury, such surgery would have cleaned up skull fractures and relieved pressure on the brain, which commonly swells and accumulates fluid after a blow to the head.

— lizzie wade, Science | AAAS, "South America’s Inca civilization was better at skull surgery than Civil War doctors," 8 June 2018
The image shows a good amount of of swelling and bruising, but fortunately, there were no broken bones.

— peter dawson, star-telegram, "This young Texas Tech fan got hit so hard by a foul ball it left stitches on his face," 5 June 2018
Unfortunately, the risk of drowning rises and a spell of heavy rains can cause water levels to swell rapidly and can increase currents to dangerous levels within hours.

— helena oliviero, ajc, "What you need to know about swimming in Lake Lanier, Chattahoochee River and other open waters in Georgia," 3 June 2018
This bulge can then swell and rupture as pressure builds, releasing blood around the brain.

— jason duaine hahn, PEOPLE.com, "Danny Farquhar, MLB Pitcher Who Suffered Aneurysm During Game, Says 'Doctors Call Me a Miracle'," 1 June 2018
Her husband added that the side of his son’s head was swelled and blood dripped from his ears.

— paige fry, chicagotribune.com, "Civil trial seeks responsibility for the death of Palatine man killed by one punch," 31 May 2018
The condition can cause pain, redness, headaches, swelling and seeing halos.

— lauren castle, azcentral, "Eye protection is just as important as sunscreen in the Arizona summer," 17 May 2018
As for how to help your skin recuperate from the negative effects of overexposure, taking a swift, three-pronged approach can help minimize redness, swelling, and long-term damage.

— kari molvar, Vogue, "The Best Sunburn Remedies, From Soothing Balms to LED Treatments," 28 May 2018
The ticking clock of aging bodies, swelling contracts, and advancing competition stops for no one.

— rob mahoney, SI.com, "LeBron James Defies Logic and the NBA Life Cycle," 28 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'swell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of swell

Middle English, from Old English swellan; akin to Old High German swellan to swell

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

swell Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of swell

expand, amplify, swell, distend, inflate, dilate mean to increase in size or volume. expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).