Definition of swell
swelled
;swelled
orswollen
play \ˈswō-lən\;swelling
intransitive verb
1a : to expand (as in size, volume, or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit the population swelledb : to become distended or puffed up her ankle is badly swollenc : to form a bulge or rounded elevation
2a : to become filled with pride and arroganceb : to behave or speak in a pompous, blustering, or self-important mannerc : 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
Explore M-W
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.
Origin and Etymology of swell
Middle English, from Old English swellan; akin to Old High German swellan to swell
First Known Use: before 12th century
Synonym Discussion of swell
swell
Definition of swell
1 : a long often massive and crestless wave or succession of waves often continuing beyond or after its cause (such as a gale)
2a : the condition of being protuberantb : a rounded elevation
3a : the act or process of swellingb (1) : a gradual increase and decrease of the loudness of a musical sound; also : a sign indicating a swell (2) : a device used in an organ for governing loudness
4a archaic : an impressive, pompous, or fashionable air or displayb : a person dressed in the height of fashionc : a person of high social position or outstanding competence
Examples of swell in a Sentence
The storm has brought high winds and heavy swells along the coast.
the swell of a pregnant woman's belly
a swell in the population
the swell of the music
1606
First Known Use of swell
1606
swell
Definition of swell
Examples of swell in a Sentence
That was a swell party.
what a swell time we had at the country club dance
1785
First Known Use of swell
1785
SWELL Defined for English Language Learners
swell
playDefinition of swell for English Language Learners
-
: to become larger than normal
-
: to make (something, such as a river) larger or more full than normal
-
: to increase in size or number
swell
Definition of swell for English Language Learners
-
: an upward and downward movement of the water in the sea
-
: the curved or rounded shape of something
-
: an increase in size or number
swell
Definition of swell for English Language Learners
-
: very good
SWELL Defined for Kids
Definition of swell for Students
swelled
;swelled
orswollen
\ˈswō-lən\;swelling
1 : to enlarge in an abnormal way usually by pressure from within or by growth Her sprained ankle is swelling up.
2 : to grow or make bigger (as in size or value) The town's population swelled.
3 : to stretch upward or outward : bulge The sails swelled in the breeze.
4 : to fill or become filled with emotion His heart swelled with pride.
Definition of swell for Students
1 : a gradual increase in size, value, or volume a swell of laughter
2 : a long rolling wave or series of waves in the open sea
3 : the condition of bulging the swell of big muscles
4 : a rounded elevation
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about swell
-
See words that rhyme with swell Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for swell Spanish Central: Translation of swell Nglish: Translation of swell for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of swell for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up swell? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!