Definition of well
(Entry 1 of 5)
2a : a pit or hole sunk into the earth to reach a supply of water
b : a shaft or hole sunk to obtain oil, brine, or gas
3a : an enclosure in the middle of a ship's hold to protect from damage and facilitate the inspection of the pumps
b : a compartment in the hold of a fishing boat in which fish are kept alive
4 : an open space extending vertically through floors of a structure
5a : a space having a construction or shape suggesting a well for water
b : the area behind a bar in which items used most frequently by a bartender are kept
6a : something resembling a well in being damp, cool, deep, or dark
b : a deep vertical hole
c : a source from which something may be drawn as needed
7 : a pronounced minimum of a variable in physics
a potential well
well
verbwelled; welling; wells
Definition of well (Entry 2 of 5)
1 : to rise to the surface and usually flow forth
tears welled from her eyes
2 : to rise like a flood of liquid
longing welled up in his breast
: to emit in a copious free flow
well
adverbDefinition of well (Entry 3 of 5)
b : satisfactorily with respect to conduct or action
did well in math works well under pressure
2 : in a kindly or friendly manner
spoke well of your idea wished them well
3a : with skill or aptitude : expertly, excellently paints well
b : satisfactorily the plan worked well
c : with good appearance or effect : elegantly carried himself well
4 : with careful or close attention : attentively watch well what I do
5 : to a high degree
well deserved the honor a well-equipped kitchen —often used as an intensifier or qualifierthere are … vacancies pretty well all the time — Listener
b : in a prudent manner : sensibly —used with doyou would do well to reread the material
8 : in accordance with the occasion or circumstances : with propriety or good reason
cannot well refuse the decision may well be questioned
9a : as one could wish : pleasingly the idea didn't sit well with her
b : with material success : advantageously married well
b : in all likelihood : indeed it may well be true
11 : in a prosperous or affluent manner
he lives well
12 : to an extent approaching completeness : thoroughly after being well dried with a towel
13 : without doubt or question : clearly well knew the penalty
14 : in a familiar manner
knew her well
15 : to a large extent or degree : considerably, far well over a million
as well
1 : in addition : also there were other features as well
2 : to the same extent or degree : as much
open as well to the poor as to the rich
3 : with equivalent, comparable, or more favorable effect
might just as well have stayed home
well
interjectionDefinition of well (Entry 4 of 5)
1 —used to indicate resumption of discourse or to introduce a remarkthey are, well, not quite what you'd expect
2 —used to express surprise or expostulationwell, what have we here?
well
adjectiveDefinition of well (Entry 5 of 5)
1a : prosperous, well-off
b : being in satisfactory condition or circumstances
2 : being in good standing or favor
3 : satisfactory, pleasing all's well that ends well
5a : free or recovered from infirmity or disease : healthy he's not a well man
b : completely cured or healed
the wound is nearly well
6 : pleasing or satisfactory in appearance
our garden looks well— Conrad Aiken
7 : being a cause for thankfulness : fortunate it is well that this has happened
8 of liquor : used for making mixed drinks when no branded alcohol is specified also : made with well liquor a well drink
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Time Traveler for well
The first known use of well was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century