Meaning of swell in English

1. Pronunciation

   /swɛl/

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1. Verb

   swell

   Etymology

   Old English swellan (verb), of Germanic origin; related to German schwellen. Current senses of the noun date from the early 16th century; the informal adjectival use derives from noun swell (sense 5 of the noun) (late 18th century)

   Definitions

   1. increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity

   Examples

   • « The music swelled to a crescendo »
2. 2. become filled with pride, arrogance, or anger

   Examples

   • « The mother was swelling with importance when she spoke of her son »
3. 3. expand abnormally

   Examples

   • « The bellies of the starving children are swelling »
4. 4. as of feelings and thoughts, or other ephemeral things

   Examples

   • « Strong emotions welled up »
   • « Smoke swelled from it »
5. 5. come up

   Examples

   • « Tears well in her eyes »
6. 6. cause to become swollen

   Examples

   • « The water swells the wood »

7. Classifying Adjective

   swell

   Definitions

   1. very good

   Examples

   • « he did a bully job »
   • « a neat sports car »
   • « had a great time at the party »
   • « you look simply smashing »

   Synonyms

   • good

8. Noun

   swell

   Definitions

   1. the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea
9. 2. a rounded elevation (especially one on an ocean floor)
10. 3. a crescendo followed by a decrescendo
11. 4. a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance