swells
n. plural-only B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈswɛɫz// UK //swˈɛlz// swells
n. long, smooth waves in the ocean that keep moving even when there is no wind. They are different from the small, choppy waves you see near the beach.
n. a series of long, rolling waves that move across the surface of the ocean without breaking. These are typically generated by distant weather systems rather than local winds.
The boat rose and fell gently on the ocean swells.
Surfers waited patiently for the large swells to arrive from the storm happening hundreds of miles away.
Despite the lack of local wind, the massive swells indicated that a powerful low-pressure system was moving through the northern part of the Atlantic.
Usage
Usually used in the plural form when referring to the movement of the sea.