ENGLISH
REFERENCE

swell

v. · n. · adj.
US //ˈswɛɫ// UK //swˈɛl// swell
Irregular verb past swelled past participle swollen / swelled
  1. 1 to become larger (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    to become larger or rounder than usual, often because of an injury or liquid.

    to expand in volume or size, typically due to internal pressure, inflammation, or the accumulation of fluid.

    Example

    His ankle started to swell immediately after he tripped on the stairs.

    Example

    The wood in the door frame began to swell during the humid summer months, making it nearly impossible to close properly.
  2. 2 to increase in sound (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Music

    to gradually become louder or stronger.

    to increase gradually in volume, intensity, or force.

    Example

    The sound of the drums began to swell as the parade moved closer.

    Example

    The orchestral arrangement allowed the brass section to swell during the finale, creating a powerful emotional climax.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 a stylish person (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Informal

    a person who is very fashionable or has a high social position.

    a person of high social standing or one who is dressed in an elegantly fashionable manner.

    Example

    The hotel lobby was filled with swells in expensive suits.

    Example

    The local club was once the exclusive haunt of city swells and their debutante daughters.
  2. 4 excellent (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Informal Archaic

    very good or pleasant.

    excellent or first-rate; used as a general term of approval.

    Example

    We had a swell time at the party last night.

    Example

    He thought it was a swell idea to drive across the country, though his parents were less enthusiastic.

    Teacher's tip

    This usage is very old-fashioned and mostly associated with mid-20th-century American English; modern speakers use it ironically or in period dramas.
Etymology 1

From Middle English swellen, from Old English swellan (“to swell”), from Proto-West Germanic swellan, from Proto-Germanic swellaną (“to swell”), of unknown origin. Cognate with Saterland Frisian swälle (“to swell”), West Frisian swolle (“to swell”), Dutch zwellen (“to swell”), Low German swellen (“to swell”), German schwellen (“to swell”), Swedish svälla (“to swell”), Icelandic svella. The adjective may derive from the noun.

Etymology 2

From Middle English swelle, from the verb swellen (modern swell).

Etymology 3

From the noun "swell" (a person dressed in an elegant manner).

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference