Meaning & Definition of word "Swell"
to
Swell
/swɛl/
noun:
- 1. a gradual increase in size, volume, or intensity
- Example: The swell of the ocean made the surfing conditions perfect.
- 2. a large, rounded wave or series of waves
- Example: Surfers look forward to a good swell coming in from the ocean.
verb:
- 1. to increase in size or volume as a result of internal pressure; to expand
- Example: The river began to swell after the heavy rainfall.
- 2. to grow in intensity or degree; to increase
- Example: The excitement in the crowd started to swell as the concert began.
- 3. to rise or bulge out
- Example: A painful lump started to swell on his arm.
adjective:
- 1. excellent; excellent in a certain way
- Example: He wore a swell jacket to the party.
Etymology
From Old English 'swellan', meaning to swell or increase in size.
Common Phrases and Expressions
swell up:
To increase in size or volume due to internal conditions.
swell with pride:
To feel an overwhelming sense of pride or happiness.
the swell of the ocean:
The rising and falling motion of the sea.
Related Words
inflation:
The action of inflating something or the condition of being inflated.
expansion:
The process of increasing in size, volume, or amount.
amplification:
The process of increasing the strength of a signal.
Slang Meanings of swell
Meaning: Great or excellent.
Example Sentence: That party last night was swell!
Meaning: To impress someone.
Example Sentence: He's always trying to swell his status with that new car.