swell

Definition

  • verb: to become larger than normal
  • verb: to expand (as in size, volume, or numbers) gradually beyond a normal or original limit
  • adjective: very good
  • adjective: socially prominent
  • often + 'up'
  • synonyms: excellent, stylish, heave

Examples

  • The storm has brought high winds and heavy 'swells' along the coast.

  • They hope to create a 'groundswell of' support for her candidacy.

  • The economy is 'swelling' at an annual rate of five percent.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) How did you like your first day on the job? The hours were sort of longer than I expected... ...but on the whole, meeting you and Jimmy Olsen and Mr. White.... Gosh, on a whole, l'd say it's been swell. -"Swell"? -Yup. You know, Clark... ...there are very few people left in the world... ...who feel comfortable saying that word. -What word? -Swell. Really? I always thought it was kind of natural. -Sorry. -Clark. -Sorry, Lois. (..)
    1978 Superman