swell box

noun

: a chamber in an organ containing a set of pipes and having shutters that open or shut to regulate the volume of tone

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The Noack is somewhat larger than the Schlicker, with three manuals to its two and a swell box. —James R. Oestreich, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2018

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swell box was circa 1801

Dictionary Entries Near swell box

swellbelly

swell box

swell-butted

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Swell box.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swell%20box. Accessed 30 Jan. 2023.

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More from Merriam-Webster on swell box

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about swell box

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