First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1swell
verb \ˈswel\
: to become larger than normal
: to make (something, such as a river) larger or more full than normal
: to increase in size or number
swelledswelled or swol·len \ˈswō-lən\ swell·ing
Full Definition of SWELL
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
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SWELL
Middle English, from Old English swellan; akin to Old High German swellan to swell
Related to SWELL
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 (as growth, unfolding, addition of parts) <a business that expands every year>. amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate <amplify the statement with details>. swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits <the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions>. distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within <a distended abdomen>. inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse <an inflated ego>. dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference <dilated pupils>.
2swell
noun
: an upward and downward movement of the water in the sea
: the curved or rounded shape of something
: an increase in size or number
Full Definition of SWELL
1
: a long often massive and crestless wave or succession of waves often continuing beyond or after its cause (as a gale)
2
a : the condition of being protuberant b : a rounded elevation
3
a : the act or process of swelling b (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
4
a archaic : an impressive, pompous, or fashionable air or display b : a person dressed in the height of fashion c : a person of high social position or outstanding competence
See swell defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SWELL
1606
Related to SWELL
- Synonyms
- bunch, convexity, jut, overhang, projection, protrusion, protuberance, bulge
3swell
adjective
: very good
Full Definition of SWELL
1
a : stylish b : socially prominent
2
: excellent —used as a generalized term of enthusiasm
See swell defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SWELL
1785
Related to SWELL
- Synonyms
- A-OK, A1, awesome, bang-up, banner, beautiful, blue-chip, blue-ribbon, boffo, bonny (also bonnie) [chiefly British], boss [slang], brag, brave, bully, bumper, capital, choice, classic, cool [slang], corking, crackerjack, cracking, dandy, divine, dope [slang], down [slang], dynamite, fab, fabulous, famous, fantabulous [slang], fantastic, fine, first-class, first-rate, first-string, five-star, four-star, frontline, gangbusters (also gangbuster), gilt-edged (or gilt-edge), gone [slang], grand, great, groovy, heavenly, high-class, hot, hype [slang], immense, jim-dandy, keen, lovely, marvelous (or marvellous), mean, neat, nifty, noble, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, out-of-sight [slang], par excellence, peachy, peachy keen, phat [slang], prime, primo [slang], prize, prizewinning, quality, radical [slang], righteous [slang], sensational, slick, splendid, stellar, sterling, superb, superior, superlative, supernal, excellent, terrific, tip-top, top, top-flight, top-notch, top-of-the-line, topping [chiefly British], top-shelf, unsurpassed, wizard [chiefly British], wonderful
SWELL Defined for Kids
1swell
verb \ˈswel\
swelledswelled or swol·len \ˈswō-lən\swell·ing
Definition of SWELL for Kids
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.>
2swell
noun
Definition of SWELL for Kids
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
3swell
adjective
Definition of SWELL for Kids
: excellent, first-rate <We had a swell time.>
Medical Dictionary
swell
intransitive verb \ˈswel\
swelledswelled or swol·len \ˈswō-lən\ swell·ing
Medical Definition of SWELL
: to become distended or puffed up <her ankle swelled>
Learn More About SWELL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: swellbellyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: SwekomanAll Words Near: swell
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up swell? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).