Swell

/swɛl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a gradual increase in size, volume, or intensity

The swell of the ocean made the surfing conditions perfect.

a large, rounded wave or series of waves

Surfers look forward to a good swell coming in from the ocean.

verb

to increase in size or volume as a result of internal pressure; to expand

The river began to swell after the heavy rainfall.

to grow in intensity or degree; to increase

The excitement in the crowd started to swell as the concert began.

to rise or bulge out

A painful lump started to swell on his arm.

adjective

excellent; excellent in a certain way

He wore a swell jacket to the party.

From Old English 'swellan', meaning to swell or increase in size.

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.

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.

Great or excellent.

That party last night was swell!

To impress someone.

He's always trying to swell his status with that new car.